Ritual Meals of Chaṭha: Exploring Gastronomical Activities in a Religious and Festive Setting

Abstract

Festivals and rituals have been pivotal for transmitting and preserving cultural values, with food assuming a central role in these communal observances. This study delves into the intricate interplay between culinary practices, cultural identity, and religious expression by examining the Hindu festival of Chat.ha. The investigation centers on the multifaceted nature of Chat.ha. By closely examining the processes of procurement, preparation, offering, and consumption of ritualistic foods during the festival, this research looks into how these gastronomic traditions contribute to fostering a sense of unity, highlighting cultural heritage, and intertwining between religious beliefs and societal norms. Exploring the culinary landscape of Chat.ha unveils the profound religious and sociocultural dimensions inherent in food-related practices, emphasizing how the daily act of sustenance transforms into a bridge for religious connection and collective bonding. Based on our fieldwork in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), and Sahibganj (Jharkhand), we document several aspects of the festival food of Chat.ha and how they offer a window into the many culinary customs of societies, emphasizing the connections between food and cultural identity, interpersonal interactions, and religious beliefs. © 2024 Oriental Institute of Cultural and Social Research and SAGE Publications.