Haircut and Dress Giving Rituals of the Gurungs of Sikles Village

Abstract

This article is about initiation rituals (Khyaper Lapa and Nkyuee Chol Peepa) of the Gurung boys and girls of Sikles. It also analyzes the relations of the rituals with symbols of the Gurungs. The main objective of the paper is to explore traditional ritual practices, their customs, and the values of rituals and customary practices among the Gurungs of the Sikles village in Nepal. The ritual and customary practices have been practiced in traditional ways in spite of the penetration of modern cultures at Sikles. It argues that Gurung boys and Girls become mature after doing the initiation rituals. They were considered and treated differently by members of society. Girls before the initiation were considered children without gender disparity. After the ritual, she is considered a mature woman who can participate in agricultural and livelihood activities. Both the rituals accumulate merits for the family and the community. Participatory observations, interviews, and case study methods are employed to explore relations between rituals and symbols. Besides main functional practices, the rituals embodied the symbolic power and power of the community. Social and cultural unity and power are expressed through division of work and gift exchange. Close kin people and neighbors gathered not only to offer a blessing to the novice but also to revitalize social and cultural relations among them.