Social Studies Note for Grade X (SOME BAD CUSTOMS -Unit- 4)

 

Social Studies Note for Grade X

LESSON- 3

SOME BAD CUSTOMS

Introduction 
Custom is a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something. It is specific to a particular society, place, or time. There are many customs prevailing in our Nepalese society. Perhaps, they were considered appropriate when originated in the society but they are not relevant at present. Instead, such customs are causing various problems in the development. Daijo Pratha, Chhaupadi Pratha, Deuki Pratha, Jhuma Pratha, Ghumto Pratha, etc. are the common customs in Nepalese society. 

1.    Ghumto Pratha:
Ghumto Pratha is a custom of covering the face by a married woman with a Ghumto (commonly shawl or Saree) when they in front of men or any respectable persons. The face of a married woman is covered so that men cannot see her face. In this situation, the married woman is not allowed to defecate in bright till she bears the first baby. This custom prevails in eastern and middle Terai region of Nepal. Such superstitious traditional customs are obstructing in the development of women's personality. Because of this Ghumto Pratha, almost all the women are deprived of moving ahead, getting education and opportunity. This kind of customs can be reformed through education, social awareness, social and political pressure etc.

2.    Deuki Pratha:
Deuki Pratha is a custom practiced in the hilly area of far western Nepal in which a young girl is offered to the local Hindu temple. The parents offer their own daughter to the temple to gain religious merit. It is generally practiced if someone is suffering from dreadful disease or do not have a son or to fulfill the wishes. Rich people buy girls from poor parents and offer them in the temple. The girl offered to the temple is called Deuki. The Deuki is considered unfit for marriage. She has to depend on worshipers' offerings to the temple. On one hand, Deukis have to suffer from various problems like lack of education, no skill and insufficient income and on the other hand, there is a traditional belief that sex with a Deuki can cleanse sins and bring good luck. So, many Deukis are driven to survival sex in which sex is traded for fulfilling the basic need. This system is slowly decreasing nowadays.

3.     Jhuma Pratha:

There is a tradition of offering the second daughter to the monastery (Gumba) practiced in the Sherpa community living in mountain region of Nepal. This custom is called Jhuma Pratha. The girl offered in such manner is called Jhuma. Jhuma has to spend her whole life in taking care of Gumba. She cannot marry and enjoy her rights as others. So, this custom is against human rights. As such customs are the fault of the society they should be discouraged through increase in education and awareness, provision of strict law and increase in opportunity.

4.    Chhaupadi Pratha:

This is a custom prevailing in the rural areas of mid and far western region of Nepal in which women have to live in a Chhau Goth (hut) located apart from their home during their menstual period. It is very difficult to live in Chhau Goth. It is not safe also. Menstruation, a natural process is misinterpreted as untouchable condition and women are compelled to live in an unsecured hut and in risky condition. This is completely superstitious practice. Due to this custom,many women are suffering from physical pain, snake bite, attack of wild animals and ill-treatment of criminals. This custom should be discouraged by increasing awareness, maintaining gender equality and women empowerment. 

5.    Daijo Pratha (Dowry Custom):
The property given to bridegroom or his family from the bride's family in the marriage ceremony is called Dowry. This tradition is in practice from the past. Nowadays, it is taken as an issue of prestige and competition. The bridegroom side bargains saying that they would not accept the bride in marriage if they do not get enough dowries. It is mostly prevalent in the Terai and urban areas. The poor family that cannot afford dowry is insulted. Even after marriage, groom's side keep on torturing daughter-in- laws. So, it is a serious social problem. It has disturbed the social balance and goodwill. As a result of dowry custom, women violence, family breakup, suicide and feticide of female embryo are increasing in the society. It has created conflict in the family. Thus, every conscious citizen should go against it. The campaign against dowry custom can be made possible through education, awareness, legal provision and massive programs.