Social Life in villages of Duggar

Ashok Sharma
ashoksharma23may@gmail.com
Social life in the villages of Duggar has always been unique, vibrant and deeply rooted in collective traditions. Although modernity and urbanization have crept in during the past few decades and changed many aspects of rural life, there is still much in these villages that is lacking in the cities. The simple charm of human relationships, the warmth of hospitality, the willingness to stand together in times of joy and sorrow and the readiness to help one another without expecting returns continue to define life here. Villages of Duggar, nestled among hills and valleys, retain an old-world rhythm where social bonds are strong and community life flows like a shared stream of experiences.
One of the most remarkable features of Duggar villages is the manner in which people come together on special occasions. Whether it is a marriage ceremony, the sacred ritual of mundan, the organization of a bhandara in a local temple or even the construction of a new house, villagers lend a helping hand spontaneously. They offer both physical labour and emotional support. When a family organizes a marriage, there is hardly any need to hire professionals for every small task because neighbours, relatives and even distant villagers come forward gladly to share responsibilities. The young and the old work side by side-decorating the house, arranging seating, cooking meals and welcoming and serving guests. For them, it is not just the marriage of one family’s daughter or son; it is the celebration of the entire community. Everyone feels involved and this collective joy makes the function all the more lively.In other words,the whole village becomes a family.
There is another touching tradition associated with village weddings. Those who cannot attend due to illness, old age or unavoidable reasons are not left out. Food is sent to their homes in the form of mandlas so that they too may feel included in the celebration. Local deities are worshipped before the marriage rituals begin and their blessings are sought for the couple’s prosperous life. At the conclusion of the ceremony, fruits,sweets and other eatables are distributed among all the neighbours, reinforcing the idea that happiness must always be shared. On the eve of a daughter’s marriage, there is a custom where elders and young men older than the bride fast throughout the day. They break their fast only after the baratis have eaten. Bridal songs such as suhaags are sung and traditional jewellery is worn .This practice symbolizes sacrifice, affection and goodwill for the girl who is leaving her paternal home. This shows how social life in villages is woven with emotions that go far beyond mere formalities.
But social life is not limited to happy occasions alone. When misfortune strikes and someone dies, the entire village comes together to support the bereaved family. People gather in large numbers, not as visitors but as workers ready to take on tasks that grief-stricken family members cannot manage. Some men prepare wood for the cremation pyre while others arrange logistics. No household cooks food until the dead body is taken for cremation, as a mark of respect and solidarity. Such customs may appear simple but they highlight the sense of belonging and unity that binds rural communities. They believe that sorrow, like joy, must be shared collectively for that is the essence of being human.
Bhandaras or community feasts, are another common and significant feature of Duggar villages. Frequently organized in temples or religious places, in honour of Deities, these feasts are possible only because of generous donations and enthusiastic participation by the villagers. Each family, rich or poor, contributes what it can-sometimes money, sometimes food grains,pulses and sometimes physical labour. On the day of the bhandara, villagers assemble in large numbers, cooking food in giant cauldrons, serving with smiles and eating together as equals on the ground often using biodegradable leafy cups and plates called doona-paatal. These community meals not only feed the stomach but also nourish the soul by strengthening the spirit of equality and togetherness.
The daily routines of villagers too are intertwined with social interaction. Women often go in groups to fetch water from natural springs. What may appear like a chore is in fact an occasion for conversation, laughter and the sharing of joys and sorrows. Similarly, men, when free from agricultural duties, gather in the evenings or at special events to sing folk songs and ballads that narrate stories of valour, romance and devotion. These gatherings serve as cultural anchors, reminding villagers of their heritage.
Respect for tradition is deeply rooted in the Duggar region. Local fairs and festivals such as Rutt Raades,Bachh Dua,Ahoi Ashtami, Nag Panchami, Drubari, Baisakhi, Rakhri etc are celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. Melas, religious yatras and harvest festivals draw people from far and wide, turning small hamlets into buzzing hubs of colour and festivity. Traditional wrestling matche calle Chhinj or Dangal, is organised virtually in every village across Duggar. Such occasions also provide opportunities for young boys to display their talent and prowess. Temporary foodstalls are set up and vendors have a good business Nature is widely worshipped in villages across Duggar. Birds, cows,dogs etc are regularly fed and Deities on the water bodies such as baolis are revered. Produce of grains and pulses as also milk of the lactating cow or buffalo is first offered to the Deities before consumption by the members of the household. Not only this,it is a common ritual to we worship trees such as Banyan, Amla, Tulsi, Bel, Banana etc and light diyas under them on specific days
However, not everything in village life can be painted in rosy colours. Alongside strong traditions, superstitions have also played a role in shaping the rural mindset. In many places, mothers still take their infants to soothsayers to protect them from the ‘evil eye. ‘Certain individuals claim to cure ailments like dog bites or snakebites with miraculous powers or incantations. While some may genuinely believe in their abilities, there have been tragic instances where victims died due to lack of proper medical treatment. This dark side of blind faith has caused much suffering. Thankfully, with the spread of education, awareness and better healthcare facilities, such practices are slowly declining.
Modernity has brought sweeping changes in Duggar villages. Roads, electricity, healthcare centres and schools have transformed lifestyles. Where once people had to walk miles for water or treatment, now they have access to taps, transport and hospitals. Children go to schools and colleges and many families encourage their youth to pursue higher education in towns and cities. Mobile phones and internet connectivity have further bridged the rural-urban gap, making villagers aware of global developments. These changes have made life more comfortable and convenient. Superstitions, too, are losing their hold as people embrace scientific thinking.
But the winds of change have also swept away some cherished traditions. Old values are gradually crumbling and the new generation shows little interest in age-old customs. They are more attracted to modern entertainment than to folk songs or local fairs. The communal spirit of helping during marriages or funerals is weakening, as professional services are increasingly hired for these occasions. Joint families are giving way to nuclear setups and individualism is slowly creeping into the once closely-knit rural fabric. While change is inevitable, there is a growing concern that modernization may erode the very cultural richness that made village life in Duggar so special.
What is needed, therefore, is a balanced approach. Villagers must embrace modern thought, science and progressive values to ensure comfort and growth. At the same time, they should not abandon the cultural treasures of their ancestors-the folk traditions, the sense of community and the respect for collective living. True progress lies not in blind imitation of urban lifestyles but in blending the best of modernity with the wisdom of tradition.
I Social life in Duggar teaches us that life is not merely about individual achievements but about standing with each other in every season of joy and sorrow. Modernization should enrich this legacy, not replace it. The villagers of Duggar, therefore, face the challenge of protecting their roots while spreading their wings. In this delicate balance lies the hope for a future where the fragrance of old traditions continues to mingle with the freshness of new ideas, keeping alive the soul of rural Duggar for generations to come.
(The author is a retired Sr. Lecturer from SED,Govt of J& K)

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