Puja at the Crossroads: A Transnational Ethnography of Hindu Festivals in the United States
Restricted (Penn State Only)
- Author:
- Mitra, Semontee
- Graduate Program:
- American Studies
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- September 20, 2018
- Committee Members:
- Simon J. Bronner, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Simon J. Bronner, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Charles David Kupfer, Committee Member
Anthony Bak Buccitelli, Committee Member
Triparna B Vasavada, Outside Member - Keywords:
- South Asian Indians
Diaspora
Hindu Religion
Religious Festivals
Women
Goddesses
Durga Puja
Diwali
Kali Puja
Navratri
Folk Traditions
Indian Americans
Commercialization of Religion - Abstract:
- My doctoral dissertation, Puja at the Crossroads: A Transnational Ethnography of Hindu Festivals in the United States, uses the difference between Hindu religious festivals in India and the United States to interpret how the first- and the second-generation Indian Americans are shaped by and respond to the social, political, religious, and historical dynamics of the United States of America. I analyze how the everyday struggles and social and psychological conflicts of Indian Americans in the United States are reflected through these festivals. I also examine the intergenerational tensions within Hindu homes, and how these have shaped festive practices. From a transnational perspective, I analyze the role played by various global religious organizations in the religious adaptations of immigrants. The knowledge gained through interviews and observation also contributes to the debate of religiosity of these festivals. The carnivalesque nature of these religious celebrations brings out the intimate connection that exists between commerce and religion, fashion and festival, and celebration and consumption. The virtual space provided by the digital media plays a unique role in the religious life of immigrants and has redefined the meaning and the nature of religion and religious festivals. Furthermore, my research also adds to the scholarly discussions on Hindu women’s role in the family and society. Indian society is a closely-knit society and women’s actions, activities, and choices are strongly guided by the traditional code of conduct constructed for women and are inextricably linked to family prestige and honor. The twenty-first century has brought a vast change to the role that women play within and outside the household. Many women receive education, hold high professional positions, and are economically independent, but the basic paradigm of traditional gender roles remains the same and is fostered through various religious festivals and rituals. Women’s roles change further as they move out of their homeland and live in the United States. Here they are not just daughters, wives, mothers, and professionals; they are the “keepers of Hindu tradition.” It is the duty of the women in the family to uphold, retain, and transfer Hindu traditions and values to their American-born children. However, a close study of women’s role in these religious festivals have indicated that women living in the United States have started questioning the traditional practices, which in turn questions the patriarchal construction of “womanhood” as a whole. Identifying the subtle changes taking place in the life of Hindu women in the United States is of crucial importance as it helps in gaining deeper understanding of the impact of American cultural values on minority community families, which in turn allows better assessment of the process of assimilation of Indian Americans into American society. My dissertation will be a unique contribution to the field of American Studies and Asian American Studies because Hindu religious festivals in the United States are budding issues of research. Only a few scholarships are available on Hindu festivals celebrated in the United States. Scholars like John Fenton, Peggy Levitt, and Prema Kurien have works on transplantation and sustenance of Indian religions, traditions, and cultures in the United States, but those have a vast scope and discuss about all Indian religious experiences in America in general. Specific festivals have not been studied yet in detail. My work, therefore, will bring to the forefront the various layers of meanings associated with Indian Americans.