Themes
practices showing communitarian life
Rathwa tribe Communitarian Life, gujarat
This tribe inhabits the rural landscape of Gujarat, India, specifically the Chhota Udepur district, rich in preserving their local culture. Unique about its celebration is this dance at Holi, which is an engagement of men and women in rites for their Holi Mata. The festival observance starts ten days in advance by the community in rhythmic drumbeats and dance performances throughout the nights. This is in accordance with their traditional way of living as one community, uniting spirituality with happiness and making for social cohesion among the tribe.
With much tradition and community life, the Rathwa tribal people have lived. Socially, they are closely linked as this brings them together during the celebration of Holi, encompassing practically all villages of the community. Their rituals and celebrations are much linked to the worship of ancestral deities who are prayed to for prosperity and well-being. They are proud of their culture and heritage-the children and old ones-in colorful costumes, traditional ornaments, and musical instruments.
The community is very liberal regarding the Holi dance that the Rathwas perform. They meet for ten nights when members sing, play drums, and wear typical attires while dancing for Holi. The event is celebratory and promoting unity; it offers outlets to everyone to socialize and cultivates a sense of belonging across generations. The event doubles up also as a venue for the youth to bond and try to find prospective life partners, strengthening the close familial social threads of the tribe.
The social structure of Rathwa has a gradual hierarchical pattern and believes in the respect towards the elders and of a cohesive community living. They are expected to guide the lives of those who are under them during celebrations culturally such as these festivals like Holi. Forms of such gatherings get a clear understanding into the roles of musicians, dancers, and ritual leaders during the communal festivities. Such an organization of events is incorporated in the value of order, cooperation, and respect into its social framework.
The value and belief systems of the Rathwa tribe are highly spiritual as they regard their deities and the natural world. Their underlying belief is that Holi would bestow blessings on them; these would take place as prosperity, health, and peace. Thus, holding the ancestral traditions and ritual purity indicates how these people honor their heritage. Such festivals as Holi provide them with a connection to their ancestors and gods, creating shared identities and cultural pride across generations.