Ritual Gender narrative a Study of Vratakathas of bengal

Abstract

Vrata is a religious ritual usually observed to propitiate a deity. A vrata ritual newlineinvolves taking of a vow; observing certain practices like fasting; creating artistic newlinediagrams (alpona); worshipping the deity and listening to stories in the ritual context of newlinethat particular vrata. It is usually prescriptive and seeks to inculcate certain moral and newlinecultural values in women through promise of some desired goals. For the ritual efficacy newlineof a vrata, the devotee has to observe some austerities like restrictions on food, sexual newlineabstinence, refraining from drinking and gambling or pleasure of any sort. newline