International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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The Importance of Chowak in the Rituals of the Twiprasa in Tripura: An Ethnographic Study

Author(s) Rati Mohan Tripura
Country India
Abstract This research paper attempts to investigate the use of chowak (rice beer) in several ceremonies as a social custom among the members of the Tripura tribe. In the Tripura tribe, chowak plays an important role in their socio-cultural life. It is also an essential part of their animistic belief system. Just as without animal sacrifice their deities cannot be worshipped, similarly without rice beer any propitiation remains inconclusive. According to popular belief, rice beer is the representative of the goddess Devi Laxmi. Hence, it is brewed with much religiosity. The preparation of rice beer involves a series of methods as well as taboos. Needless to say that chowak brings community harmony and it acts as a great way of bringing people together. It is assumed that sharing or drinking a bit of rice beer is like sharing the blessings of the goddess Devi Laxmi. They offer rice beer as a representation of Devi Laxmi while worshipping the deities. Rice beer is required in one’s life from the day of birth to the day of death for it is a must for every ritual. Rice beer is used in rituals as a kind of hospitality and respect towards the visitors. But with the passage of time, the significance of chowak is waning among the members of the tribe due to, commercialization, religious conversion, acculturation, and modernization.
Keywords Tripura tribe, rice beer, animism, animal sacrifice, Oral tradition, ritual
Field Sociology > Linguistic / Literature
Published In Volume 5, Issue 5, September-October 2023
Published On 2023-09-13
Cite This The Importance of Chowak in the Rituals of the Twiprasa in Tripura: An Ethnographic Study - Rati Mohan Tripura - IJFMR Volume 5, Issue 5, September-October 2023. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i05.6358
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i05.6358
Short DOI https://doi.org/gsqr42

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