Taboos
Taboos are a critical component of tribal lifestyles because they guide the sustainable use of natural resources. They are closely adhered to since they are self-imposed (Sharma, Thakur & Uniyal 2021).
Throughout the research, a variety of taboos were gathered. These can be classified as taboos concerning birth, marriage, death, and animals.3.3.1 Taboos Related to Birth
If a child is born in Bakarwal culture, the mother is considered impure until the 40th day after the birth. During this time period, she is not permitted to engage in religious activities like namaz,15 fasting, recitation of the Quran, etc., or household chores. There are also specific taboos related with the pregnant woman, such as the prohibition of her wandering in the dark without the iron object in hand. Pregnant ladies almost always carry an iron knife with them to fight off evil. Similarly, pregnant women are not permitted to leave their homes or cut anything during a lunar eclipse. If she cuts any object, such as a tree branch, it is believed that the resulting child will be disabled. If a male owl perches on the house and begins hooting during the pregnancy, it is believed that a baby girl will be born; if a female owl sits on the house and begins hooting, it is believed that a baby boy will be born. If the mother does not take her first bath after childbirth on or after the 15th day and her second bath on the 40th day, it is interpreted as a negative omen for both mother and child. If all of these norms and taboos are followed, the infant and mother are considered blessed and can live happily ever after. Nonetheless, these taboos are mostly related to their traditional faith and practices rather than to Islam.
3.3.2 Taboos Related to Marriage
In the Bakarwal community, marriage outside the tribe is severely outlawed. The Bakarwals marry primarily within the clan, and cousin relationships are preferred.
When it comes to decide on wedding dates, Tuesdays, as well as the third, 13 th, and 23rd days of the traditional calendar month, are not regarded as auspicious. Similarly, marriage between two Eids, namely Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, is discouraged if it is the family's first marriage. During field study it was not possible to obtain an explanation for this even after asking. After a marriage is fixed, the girl is not permitted to venture into the darkness or outside without assistance; and she should constantly wear an iron bangle and carry an iron knife. This is to ward against the forest's and night's evils. Sudden death of a family member or animal shortly after marriage is interpreted as a negative omen on the part of the bride. If there is an abundance of grass and animals following the marriage, it is believed that she brought with her good fortune.3.3.3 Taboos Related to Death
In case of a death in the Bakarwal society, the herding group in it, in which death occurred, gets involved in death rituals. For four days, immediate family members are not permitted to engage in any economic activity. Following that, 40 days of mourning are observed, during which neighbours and close relatives spend the night at the deceased's home. They would chant prayers and read verses from the Quran during these nights to ensure that the deceased's soul is at peace. The funeral ceremony is held on the fourth day, and the deceased's family invites relatives, friends, and local residents to the feast. A pir is invited to participate in the feast, and he prays for the deceased person's soul. On the 40th day of death, a similar but smaller feast is also held. During this period, people abstain from celebrations and marriage ceremonies. Additionally, wearing bright apparel is discouraged during the first ten days after the death. Male members of the society are expected to visit the grave daily and pray for the deceased's better afterlife. Females are absolutely forbidden from visiting graveyards, as it is believed that females visiting graves may harm the soul of the deceased.
After 40 days of grief, the family can resume normal activities.3.3.4 Taboos Related to Animals
It is observed that the Bakarwals place high value on the taboos related with animals in specific situations. They adhere to these taboos religiously, and any infraction is viewed as a threat to their survival. For instance, if a snake crosses the route of a travelling Bakarwal group, it is seen as extremely unlucky, and the group will ask permission from the molvi or pir to continue. They typically butcher a chicken before proceeding. Similarly, a dog howling at night is regarded as a portent of doom. If a mule gives birth while ascending to the summer pastures, it is not regarded as a positive sign for the herd. While it is regarded a good omen if it delivers on the downward journey towards the winter pastures. Bleating of sheep is also regarded as a positive omen. Similarly, the Bakarwals see the non-eating of goat on Baisakhi and the fasting of sheep during Ramadhan as good omens. The owl's hooting is not thought to be beneficial to pregnant mothers. When it comes to dreams, seeing a bear is seen as extremely unlucky, and blessings from the pir or molvi are considered imperative. Additionally, seeing horses or sheep in dreams is regarded as a positive omen for the family.
3.3.5 Taboos Related to Daily Life
The Bakarwals' daily life is also governed by omens and ordeals. As Khatana (1984) notes, meeting the two women who have filled pitchers with them is regarded as a favourable sign. When asked why, the Bakarwals explained that water is a lifeline for their community and animals. Because water sources dictate their halting points along the way, two women with filled pitchers symbolise the tribe's availability of water and are regarded as a good omen. Similarly, the tribe has a widespread belief in the evil eye (bad nazar), which is believed to be the cause of illness and death. Its primary targets and victims are youngsters and animals. The first author recalls one such episode from the field, when a youngster had a fever and his mother filled a jug of water and went to seven tents, requesting that seven people put their fingers in the water.
Following that, she sprayed some on the child and the remainder around their tent. When they were questioned about it, they stated that the fever was caused by the evil eye and that by following this procedure, she was able to ward off any negative events that might have happened to the child. Other methods are employed to ward off the evil eye, including beads, shattered pottery, black cloths, and amulets (taveez) obtained from the pirs. Bakarwals also believe in black magic, with Banbuddhi or Rantas being the greatest fears. This legendary beast, which the Kashmiris refer to as Rantas and the Gujar Bakarwals refer to as Banbuddhi, is regarded as malevolent and widely dreaded. It is thought by some to be a wild man, while others believe it to be a wild woman, tall with long, tangled hair and burning hollow eyes, with beast-like feet attached backwards to the legs, causing its tracks to appear to be travelling in the opposite direction from the direction in which it actually travels.3.4