Philosophical understanding of the cultures and festivals of Northeast India, Edited by Dr. Dominic Meyieho and Dr. Joseph Puthenpurackal, Shillong: Don Bosco Publications, DBCIC, 2015, ISBN 81-85408-00-57, pp. 136,300 rupees.
Today’s rapidly changing and globalizing world, with its many and multiple challenges, requires us to deepen our understanding of the various facets of culture. With this motivation, the Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures, Shillong, held a seminar entitled “A Philosophical Understanding of Culture and Festivals”. This book is a collection of the papers presented at the seminar. In order to survive, the cultures and festivals of Northeast India need to rediscover their spiritual and philosophical roots. The works reflect the situation and culture of the people of the Northeast and seek to highlight indigenous culture.
Thomas Menamparampil analyzes the passage of culture to a central position in human life. In the past, culture was not considered very influential but today we see how culture influences the mentality of communities, their social cohesion, the motivation to achieve particular goals and to add purpose in everything that is done, in addition to playing a game. key role in economic development. The author takes a pastoral approach and discusses how cultures can be revived to cope with the changes brought about by modernization.
Tharsis Maria Arul Anthuvan affirms that a human person is fundamentally cultural. A philosophy of culture must address the different thoughts or philosophies of authors who have recognized that the human person is fundamentally cultural and have also systematized or thematized a study of cultures and civilizations. Thus, he goes on to present the thought of some philosophers throughout the centuries who have philosophized about culture.
Joy Kachappilly attempts ‘a critical understanding of the cultural festival’ with an emphasis on Wangala of the Garos. The festival acquires great importance in the lives of people in society and is an integral part of the culture. Tea Wangala it’s a thanksgiving feast. The author narrates the way of traditionally celebrating the festival and contrasts it with the current scenario.
Kezhangunuo Kelio approaches the festivities of the Angami naga tribe from a female point of view. Angami festivals are often related to agriculture. Women play a vital role but they are not at the forefront. They are seen as initiators, mediators, and supporters, but they are not given the same status as men. The author calls for a deconstruction of the Angami festivals and a reconstruction from the feminist perspective.
Joe Francis tries to understand and interpret how Mizos make sense of their world through their cultural practices, particularly the Christmas celebration. It takes us through the various aspects of the celebration and outlines its connection to the culture and philosophy of Mizo.
Tea Mlei-Ngyi Zeliang Naga tribe festival is discussed in Shaji The role of Mateo. He guides us through the celebration of the festival and presents the results of a questionnaire that was sent to the youth of Zeliang. The findings are surprising. The festival is no longer celebrated in its traditional pomp, tone, or length. It is necessary to revisit the festival, understand its cultural richness and gain inspiration for socio-cultural, economic and religious benefit.
Barnes Mawrie in his article ‘A philosophical vision of the Khasi culture’, points out the genesis of the Khasi culture and its connection with its metaphysics. Khasi culture is polarized by Western materialism and consumerism. Discuss five aspects of Khasi culture that reveal its metaphysical nature. They are the religious and altruistic sense, the sense of kinship, the sense of good, the sense of religion and the sense of tradition.
Somingam Mawon’s article focuses on “Understanding the traditional festivals of Tangkhul Naga and their relationship to agricultural activities.” There are sixteen traditional Tangkhul festivals and each is briefly considered. Conclude with some personal observations and comments.
The Baikho festival of the Rabhas is presented by José Jacob. The continuity and change that the festival has undergone can be seen with sincerity. The author recognizes the powerful influence of modernity and advises to be vigilant so as not to lose the original genius of the community.
Dominic Meyeiho’s article, A philosophical understanding of the culture and festivals of southern Angami Nagas tries to cultivate its culture through a rereading of its festivals. There is also an attempt to establish a cross-cultural dialogue between the festivals of the South Angamis and the Christian holidays, so that the Church takes root in the culture. Six similar Christian festivals and festivals stand out. The objective is not to compare, but to explore avenues of dialogue.
Theorizing a Sustainable Cultural Identity for a Global World: A Transactional Philosophy of Culture by Baudelaire Ulysse, analyzes the impact of globalization on culture and indicates the need for a transactional philosophy of culture for mutual enrichment and progress. The dangers of cultural isolation are presented and the idea of openness to other cultures is spread. The self-preservation of cultures should not be achieved through isolation, but through compromise. A transactional philosophy of culture has helped preserve and perpetuate local cultural identities in Northeast India, and could be the most effective method of maintaining local identity in the globalized world.
The book is clouded by some grammatical errors. The design is nice but the matter leaves much to be desired. The subjects considered are revealing and allow an appreciation of the culture of Northeast India. In some ways, the book has opened the doors to indigenous reflection on the culture of Northeast India and has paved the way for continued studies on culture.