LIFT THEE PALANQUIN, BEARERS! THEE PALANQUIN TRADITION VANISHING IN THE STORM OF MODERNITY

LIFT THEE PALANQUIN, BEARERS! THEE PALANQUIN TRADITION VANISHING IN THE STORM OF MODERNITY

18-DEC-ENG 17

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------The song that once echoed on the village paths—"Come on, lift the palanquin, bearers..."—is now confined to memories. The palanquin tradition, once considered a royal mode of transport during weddings, is gradually fading into the pages of history due to the increasing influence of modernity and urban culture. In Bhojpur district and the surrounding rural areas, this tradition has now almost completely disappeared.

Over time, the influence of urban culture has rapidly increased in villages as well. The lifestyle and modern amenities that have prevailed since the British era have provided convenience to our society, but along with this, the essence of village life and the ancient traditions of the country have also gradually vanished. This is not due to the role of any single individual, but rather the changing mindset and priorities of society as a whole that have pushed folk traditions into the background.

There was a time when a wedding without the bride riding in a palanquin was unimaginable. The bride's journey to her in-laws' house in a palanquin was considered a symbol of social honor, tradition, and emotion. Similarly, the groom's procession on an elephant, horse, or in a decorated chariot was considered a mark of prestige for wealthy families. But today, luxury cars, bands, and modern decorations have replaced the palanquin and its bearers.

The sweet melody of the shehnai (a traditional Indian wind instrument) was once considered extremely auspicious at weddings. This music made the atmosphere sacred and emotional, but now the shehnai is limited to only a few special occasions. DJs and loud music have taken its place. Similarly, the tradition of the bride leaving in a palanquin is also on the verge of complete extinction. Today, during the wedding season, neither palanquins nor the bearers who carry them are seen anywhere.

Most young people of the new generation are not even aware of palanquins. For them, it is all limited to books, old songs, and the memories of their elders. Remembering the 1980s, the groom would travel to his in-laws' house in a palanquin, and the bride would arrive at her husband's home in a doli (palanquin). The journey from her parents' home to her in-laws' house would take several hours. Throughout the journey, there would be folk songs, drums, and an atmosphere filled with emotions. Today, the same distance is covered in just a few minutes in expensive cars and air-conditioned vehicles.

With the end of the doli tradition, the Kahar community, who carried the palanquins, is now facing an employment crisis. Those whose shoulders once carried the palanquins during the wedding season are now suffering from unemployment and neglect.

Although some families still wish to bid farewell to their daughters in the traditional way, the reality is that neither palanquins nor the people to carry them are easily available. Especially the traditional songs sung during the farewell ceremony, which reflected the pain and emotions of a daughter's departure, are now confined to the pages of history.

The disappearance of the doli tradition is not just the end of a tradition, but also tells the story of the erosion of our cultural identity. Modernity is necessary, but preserving our folk culture and traditions is equally important. If we don't make an effort to preserve them today, future generations will only be able to see them in stories and pictures.

Today, neither the doli nor the Kahars are seen... nor the song—"Come on, lift the palanquin, Kahars..."—that once echoed in every village.