Content Details

1.1 Identification of the element

Social practices, rituals and festive events

1.2 Name of the element, as used by the community or group concerned

Kheter Broto/Field Vows

1.3 Short, maximally informative title (including indication of domain(s))

Preservation of Field in vow in Haluaghat region

1.4 Community(ies)/group(s) that recognize the element as part of their cultural heritage

Hindu( Bangali)

1.5 Physical location(s) of the element/how often it is practiced

Munsirhat village in Haluaghat region Munsirhat Bazar, Bhagber ,Bustabuli

1.6 Short description (max. 200words)

In almost all the villages of Haluaghat region, the vows of the field or Kheter broto have been observed. In the course of time, the Bratachar is almost extinct in this region today. This information is unknown to the locals as to when, where and who started this vow. However, many say that at that time Vikramapar, some people of Mymensingh settled in Haluaghat, Munsirhat areas. And they started the activities of these vows according to the lineage tradition. Field vows are agricultural rituals. The women of the village, especially the married Sadaba women, directly participate in this work by fasting. At the end of Nabanna in Agrahayan month every year, the pickle is taken to the house and the ritual is celebrated in the household. This vow is made by making a roof over 10 houses and making a roof over the paddy. The main mantra of this vow is the vow of Rari-Puri Duikhya. It is a folktale about Khetro deity. At the end of the vows, there is a practice of giving Chhatu Prasad, betel nut and oil to each other.

1.7 Domain of the element (select one or more/suggest alternative domain)

Oral traditons and expressions
Performing arts
Social customs and traditions

2. Characteristics of the element

2.1 Practitioners(s)/performer(s): roles, age, gender, social status, and/or professional category etc)

1. Kalpana Rani Bhawal, 54, woman, housewife 2. Milon Rani Bhawal, 72, woman, housewife 3. Parvati Rani Devna, 50, woman, housewife

2.2 Other tradition bearers (individuals/groups and their roles)

All the little boys and girls who make rice from 10 houses are indirectly involved in this activity.. The 10 houses that give Magan also indirectly play a role. Women who listen to vows.

2.3 Language(s), register(s), speech level(s) involved

Mymensingh Regional Language (Bengali)

2.4 Associated tangible elements ( if any)

Paddy, Dheki, Kula, Chalun, Khoi Chalni, Pour, Banana Leaves, Straw Mutha, Pan, Supari, Ghat, Towel, Pidi, Dried Jute Leaf Flowers, mustard oil, Chattu, Muri, are the objects of rituals. The yard of the house which is covered with dung and vows are made sitting on the east side. Wear clean sari with oil and Shidur in head.

2.5 Associated intangible elements (if any)

Drawing Thakur Alpana of the field. Talking about vows. Combined uludhvani of women .and Fasting

2.6 How are women and people of other genders associated with this ICH element

Women play a vital role in this vow. They are directly associated of this. Men also enjoy this vow.

2.7 Division of labour during the practice of aforementioned ICH element

These field vows are mostly enacted by women to ensure fertility of the soil.

2.8 Customary practices governing access to the element or to aspects of it

Unmarried girls cannot make this vow, Also widowed women and Infertile women cannot observe these rituals. However, men and women can listen to the vows.

2.9 Modes of transmission

This broto is learnt by the wives of the house from their mother-in-law.

2.10 Organizations concerned (non-governmental organizations and others)

N/B

3. State of the element (viability)

3.1 Threats to the enactment (if any)

Urbanization Reluctance in agriculture Joint family crisis Lack of leisure time

3.2 Threats to the transmission (if any)

Personal reluctance, distrust of the people of the concerned community.

3.3 Threat to associated tangible elements and resources (if any)

The main ritual is to say that there is no use of dheki. Cultivation of other vegetables instead of paddy. Due to comparative decline in paddy fields

3.4 Viability of associated intangible elements (if any)

The main significance of this vow ritual carries the corresponding vow word "Rari-Puri Duikhya" which is prevalent orally.. Only seniors know the rules of drawing alpana so they are more likely to get lost after death.

3.5 Safeguarding measures in place (if any)

Take necessary steps to work in Dhemki Informing the new generation about this vow To give a written form to the ritualistic rituals without leaving them orally. Documentary of this vow

4. Data gathering/documentation, Consent and preparation of inventory entries

4.1 Consent of community/group/individuals concerned for data collection with a view to inventorying

There is consent and involvement

4.2 Restrictions, if any, on use of data collected

No restrictions use of collected data

5. Resource Person

5.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives

Deep Bhawal, Assistant Teacher, Munsirhat Sudip Pal, Agricultural Work, Munsirhat

5.2 Date(s) and place(s) of data gathering

Date : 2020-05-14
Place(s) : 14 may 2020

6. Safeguarding techniques

6.1 Existing safeguarding techniques in the community for the safeguarding of the ICH element

6.2 Suggestions for safeguarding of the ICH element from the community

7. References to literature, discography, audiovisual materials or archives

7.1 References to/in literature

References to Bengal's 'Field Vows' can be found in following websites: 1. 'Banglar Broto' by Abanindranath Tagore http://www.abanindranath.org/247624942434248224942480-2476250924s802468.html?fbclid=IwAR3QWjGWIlP7oRudxVSqKTRnuwo59gf3o7bo2dpfY-n19zegefv8RNAYew4 2. Article in Journal by Pavel Partho https://www.deshrupantor.com/home/printnews/190255/2020-01-01?fbclid=IwAR39KJcxE4NYswhL7pCmGjZ_pOTYODn5LwbN5zwiQZ7BAcvCm2BEg30_06U

7.2 Audiovisual materials or archives

N/B

7.3 Discography or archives

N/B

8. Modalities for updating the information contained in the inventory entry

8.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives, who compiled the inventory entry

Rupa Rani Dhar

8.2 Consent of community/group/individuals concerned for data collection with a view to inventorying

Deep Bhawal, Assistant Teacher, 01713508645, Munsirhat, Haluaghat

8.3 Date of community consent to include the entry on an inventory

2020-05-17

8.4 Present condition of the cultural element

Threatened with extinction

9. Community suggestions

(a)Brief description of suggestions for safeguarding of the element by community members/experts/holders, if any

(b)Brief description of restrictions on use of data collected, if any