Myths or Realities; Patriarchy, Gender Structure and Gender Relations in Swasthani Vrata Katha and Today's Hindu Society of Kathmandu

Abstract

Some interpretations of Hindu scriptures and texts have been used to explicate how patriarchal views and practices function in the society as well as academia, such as the devaluation of women and the justification of male dominance. This article critically analyzes both mythological representations and lived realities of patriarchy, gender roles, and power structures as portrayed in the text Swasthani vrata katha and manifested in contemporary Hindu society in Kathmandu, Nepal. The findings of the paper are; although hyper- patriarchy exists in the present-day Hindu society with dichotomy and dialect in nature, people criticize, disagree and deny the concepts that are embedded in the Swasthani vrata katha but still, the respondents or participant devotees follow the vrata. The traditional roles of sãsu (mother-in-law) and buhãri (daughter-in-law) under patriarchy are gradually dissolved in the capitalistic frame of society. In the past, sãsu used to be a powerful agent of patriarchy and that of the patriarchal head (father-in-law) who controlled the economy of the family, mobility and sexuality. However, the scenario has altered at present and buhãri has turned dominant since her husband earns the remittance, which is transferred to her bank account and she decides where to spend, and what to purchase. Due to such economic independence, buhari plays decisive roles in the household chores and the public domain as well. This shift underscores the growing influence of economic agency in reshaping gender relations within Hindu families in urban Nepal.