1.2 Name of the element, as used by the community or group concerned
Vows of Chaitra Sankranti
1.3 Short, maximally informative title (including indication of domain(s))
Chaitra Sankranti is the last day of the Bengali year. On this day of the month of Chaitra, vows are observed for healing, good wishes and increase of agricultural crops, which is known as Chaita sankranti vow. This vow is observed in Mymensingh region.
1.4 Community(ies)/group(s) that recognize the element as part of their cultural heritage
Hindu community in Mymensingh region.
1.5 Physical location(s) of the element/how often it is practiced
The vow is observed in Mymensingh region. It is celebrated through various rituals like Alpona, make five types of sweet etc
1.6 Short description (max. 200words)
Chaitra Sankranti is the last day of the Bengali year. On this day of the month of Chaitra, vows are observed for healing, good wishes and increase of agricultural crops, which is known as Chaita sankranti vow. It is basically a feminine vow. Only girls observe this vow.
Material of vows:
Paddy, Durba, Belpata, Flower, Shewra tree, Banana leaf, kolar khul, Chhatu, Raw milk, Atab rice, Bitter spinach (Ghima, Neem, Tit, Jute vegetables, Byte, Karala), Fish (for those who have fishing rules)
Rules of vows:
1 Vows have to be arranged from fasting throughout the day.
2 One has to wear clean clothes and cook for vows.
3 Alpana has to be given at the door of houses.
4 Nimdal, Ghima and Byte tree branches should be tied together in the corner of the house.
5 Who have vegetarian vows, fish is forbidden in their vows.
The method of vows:
After cooking all the food (payes, rice, sajna dal, tita shak, five types of sweet) it is offered to the shewra tree. Finally, the story of the vow is told. This time everyone gives Uludhwani.
Folk believe:
All the food in this vow works as medicine.
1.7 Domain of the element (select one or more/suggest alternative domain)
2. Characteristics of the element
2.1 Practitioners(s)/performer(s): roles, age, gender, social status, and/or professional category etc)
The name of the worshiper: Radha Rani karmoker
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Professional category: House wife
The narrator of the vows: Josna karmoker
Age: 105
Gender: Female
Professional category: House wife
The name of the worshiper: Uma karmoker
Age: 24
Gender: Female
Professional category: Student
The name of the worshiper: Moni Roy
Age: 32
Gender: Female
Professional category: House wife
2.2 Other tradition bearers (individuals/groups and their roles)
Modok community
(They provide sweets and other items for the broto)
Goyal community
(Provides milk for broto)
Dhaki
(He has the job of playing dhak in many fields.)
Bangla and Sanskrit
(Bratakatha is recited in Bengali and the mantras are recited in Sanskrit.)
2.4 Associated tangible elements ( if any)
Folk medicine, Fairs, Folk food, folk music, folk art
2.5 Associated intangible elements (if any)
Folk believe
2.6 How are women and people of other genders associated with this ICH element
Women fulfill all the responsibilities of this vow.
Men help with material collection.
2.7 Division of labour during the practice of aforementioned ICH element
Women fulfill all the responsibilities of this vow.
Men help with material collection.
2.8 Customary practices governing access to the element or to aspects of it
One can participate in this broto by fasting in pure clothes.
Followers of other religions can see this vow without touching it from a distance. According to folk believe , vows are ruined by the touch of other religions.
2.9 Modes of transmission
Traditionally expanding (In the mouths of people), expanding through mobile communication, expanding through modern means of communication.
2.10 Organizations concerned (non-governmental organizations and others)
No
3. State of the element (viability)
3.1 Threats to the enactment (if any)
Modernity (as a result of modern life we are forgetting this brotachar)
Modern people are ashamed of their own culture. That's why it's not being promoted.
3.2 Threats to the transmission (if any)
Modernity (as a result of modern life we are forgetting this brotachar)
3.3 Threat to associated tangible elements and resources (if any)
Yes. The associated tangible elements and resources are threatened by deforestation.
3.4 Viability of associated intangible elements (if any)
Yes. The associated tangible elements and resources are threatened by deforestation.
3.5 Safeguarding measures in place (if any)
No
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
The people who observe this vow have given permission for the work. It's mentioned in the permission letter.
4.2 Restrictions, if any, on use of data collected
No. There is no restriction. But Followers of other religions can see this vow without touching it from a distance. According to folk believe, vows are ruined by the touch of other religions.
5. Resource Person
5.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives
The names of those from whom the information was obtained are given below.
The name of the worshiper: Radha Rani karmoker
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Professional category: House wife
The narrator of the vows: Josna karmoker
Age: 105
Gender: Female
Professional category: House wife
The name of the worshiper: Uma karmoker
Age: 24
Gender: Female
Professional category: Student
The name of the worshiper: Moni Roy
Age: 32
Gender: Female
Professional category: House wife
5.2 Date(s) and place(s) of data gathering
Date : 2020-04-13 Place(s) : 13 April, 2020.
6. Safeguarding techniques
6.1 Existing safeguarding techniques in the community for the safeguarding of the ICH element
There is no existing safeguarding techniques in the community for the safeguarding of this element.
6.2 Suggestions for safeguarding of the ICH element from the community
No. There is no 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
1) Shree Parmeshwar Prosonno Ray, Meyeli Brato o Kotha, Bangle Medical Library, kolikata, 1230.
2) Ashutosh Majumder, Meyeder Brato-Kotha, Deb Sahitya Kutir, 2008, Kolkata.
3) Dr. Agam Prasad, Indian Culture and Art: Continuity and Change, Swati Publications, Delhi, 2013.
4) Fieldwork, 13 April 2020, Mymensingh.
7.2 Audiovisual materials or archives
Audiovisual materials collected through fieldwork.
7.3 Discography or archives
No
8. Modalities for updating the information contained in the inventory entry
8.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives, who compiled the inventory entry
The Chief of the presentation of the vows,
Josna karmoker (The Chief and the narrator of the vows)
Age: 105
Gender: Female
Professional category: House wife
8.2 Consent of community/group/individuals concerned for data collection with a view to inventorying
The people who observe this vow have given permission for the work. It's mentioned in the permission letter.
8.3 Date of community consent to include the entry on an inventory
2020-04-13
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
Community experts are still in the Community. However, They didn't give any advice.
(b)Brief description of restrictions on use of data collected, if any