'CHEER' – ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSIGHTS ON FUNERAL CEREMONY AMONG THE IRULAR OF ATTAPPADY, KERALA
Authors : Thomas.K.UAbstract
A rite of passage is a ceremonial occasion that happens in every society and is historically known to mark the changeover from one social or religious standing to another. This article describes the most common types of funeral rites among the Irula tribe of Attappady in Kerala. The Irular constitutes predominant tribal population of Attappady. They have their own traditional ritual practices associated with their day-to-day life. The Cheer is one of the traditional customary practices of the community that is associated with one‘s death. The whole practice of cheer is connected with some myths. Traditionally, most of the Ooru (settlements) of the community practices ̳Cheer‘ as part of the death ceremony. The rituals are observed for three to eleven days, depending on the economic condition of their family. In connection with this ceremony, a special feast and Oottattam (a special traditional/ritual dance) was also performed. The rituals are officiated under the leadership of Guruvan. The significance of this ritual ceremony is revealed less significant as the influence of modernity and intervention by external agencies. Furthermore, changes in their traditional culture and practices are becoming more prevalent. In this context, the current paper attempts to comprehend the Cheer and
the various elements associated with this ritual from an anthropological perspective.
Keywords:
Mindai-kaleike, Kaineppally, koppeppalli, Nenchu- veikal, Pasath, Vanachollal, Sappalaithinnal, , Oottattu2
