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This paper explores the rituals and traditions interwoven within the cultural fabric of the Gujjar tribe of Kashmir Valley. By adopting an ethnographic approach—characterised by prolonged engagement through participant observation and in-depth interviews—this research seeks to unravel the multiple layers of meaning embedded within the community’s ritual practices. Focusing on various lifecycle rituals, the study seeks to illuminate the intricate symbolism, historical trajectories, and contemporary relevance within the shifting socio-cultural landscape of the Gujjar tribe. By examining the cultural tapestry of the Gujjar tribe, this research not only contributes to a deeper anthropological understanding of their heritage but also highlights the dynamic tension between tradition and modernity.

Keywords: Gujjar tribe, rituals, traditions, ethnography, cultural heritage, socio-cultural dynamics, symbolic anthropology

The study outlines an in-depth analysis of a small-scale local ice cream factory situated in Bira, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The factory, which has been operational since 2002, is run by a close-knit group of relatives. There are eight workers including five van pullers, who basically sell ice cream in local market. The study aims to analyze daily operational management including Time management, workload distribution, coping strategies, and any tools or systems used to manage work. Furthermore, the study evaluates the economic impact on the workers and owners and compares business profit margins with personal income and lifestyle choices in an anthropological lens. Through anthropological approach it explores cultural and social factors that influence economic conditions, such as community expectations, social status, and personal values.

Keywords: Production, Social Organization, Ice-Cream, Cottage small factory, financial opportunities

This article offers a nuanced critique of how Disney films, especially Cinderella adaptations from 2015 and 2021, portray women and address feminist concerns. It contrasts traditional depictions of passive, beauty-focused female characters with more recent efforts to present empowered, diverse, and self-driven heroines. The analysis highlights both the progress in gender representation and the ongoing challenges within fairy tale narratives. By reflecting on these changes, the article underscores the need for continued critical evaluation of children’s media to foster genuine empowerment and inclusivity.

Keywords: Fairytales and women, Gender representation in folktales, Disney Princess, Feminist film theory

The Karam festival holds profound significance for the Oraon community, deeply rooted in their agrarian lifestyle and reverence for nature. As an occasion that celebrates the relationship between the Oraon people and their environment, the festival is more than just a traditional event; it is a pivotal element of their cultural and social life. The study tried to find out the significance and how the Karam festival is integral to the Oraon way of life, reflecting their deep connection to nature and their agricultural practices. Celebrated with enthusiasm, it embodies the community’s beliefs and traditions, showcasing their reverence for natural elements. It has a notable effect on the social and psychological well-being of the Oraon people. It fosters a sense of unity and collective identity, enhancing social cohesion and community bonding. The study employs Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank various social and economic factors influenced by the festival. This approach helps quantify the significance of these factors in relation to the Karam festival, providing a clearer picture of its impact. The study encompasses primary data for the study collected from the 50 no. of respondents of Oraon community from Sarana Padia, Udit Nagar area of Sundargarh district. The study found that Karam festival also has a major impact in developing the social cohesion which helps in developing community bonding among the Oraon.

Keywords: Belief, Factors, Karam, Oraon, Relevance, Socio-Psychological Impact

The forces shaping civilization and history have not been kind to indigenous peoples. In fact, they have caused indigenous cultures to be under enormous pressure, face disruptive challenges, and experience threats to their existence. Consequently, indigenous people struggle to effectively manage external impositions that threaten to disrupt their chosen way of life and hinder them from maintaining their integrity, identity, and existence. This article analyzes the challenges imposed on indigenous cultures and offers a theoretical model for a progressive and sustainable response (i.e., one that supports the right to self-determination of indigenous people). The impact of the interface between the forces shaping history and indigenous peoples is analyzed through the lens of the indigenous cultures of Assam, India, with a special focus on the experience of Bodo culture. The article argues that deeper insight into the struggles of indigenous cultures can be gained by analyzing the issues from the perspectives of ethnology, cultural anthropology, and political anthropology. The article contributes to research that addresses and attempts to resolve the disruptions indigenous cultures are subject to as a result of being challenged by a type of determinism that can be imposed by powerful external forces.

Keywords: integrative, political anthropology, imposition, determinism, migrations

The study aims to explore the experiences of Tai Khamti women regarding traditional beliefs and practices related to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as their interactions with the formal health system in modern times. An exploratory study conducted in Bar Khamti Gaon in Narayanpur area of Lakhimpur District, Assam, India. The Tai Khamtis are a significant ethnic group in Northeast India, originally belonging to the Shan race and migrating from Upper Burma to Assam in the 18th century. The Narayanpur Khamtis, specifically, are noted for their cultural richness and indigenous medicinal knowledge. Therefore an attempt has been made in this paper to delve into various aspects of antepartum (before childbirth), intrapartum (during childbirth), and postpartum (after childbirth) care among the Tai Khamti community and provides an insights into the intersection of traditional cultural practices and modern healthcare systems and its access among the Tai Khamti women.

Keywords: Tai Khamti, Maternal Health, Tribal Medicine, Preservation of Traditional Knowledge