Faith from Religion and Religion from Ritualism

Bridging the ethnocentric divide

- Shri C.K Subramaniam

What divides faith from religion and religion from ritualism? What again unites them all? It may sound oxymoronic but the answer to both the questions remains the same: Wired with a scientific temper, schooled in formal education, one often finds it trying to harmonise faith, religion and ritualism. They have a definite space in the mindscape governing our actions. For the human race, all such concepts tend to converge in Jagannath culture. Let me explain what is cooking in my mind. The immediate trigger point for walking this most travelled path is the singular opportunity to partake in the gala inauguration cum installation of the deity of the trinity- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Mother Subhadra in faraway Ames City, lowa state, of the United States of America.

It was indeed a godsend opportunity to visit the HTCC (Hindu Temple and Cultural Center) at Ames. The idols were brought to the prayer hall by some young children on their heads amidst the blowing of conch and resonance of collective Haribol and Hulahulis. We have often wondered why Haribol is prescribed for men and Hulahuli for women.

Apart from Odisha, we have heard Hulahulis in Bengal and Assam too. A dexterous movement of the feminine tongue hitting the inner walls of the upper lip creates this indigenous acoustics that is considered auspicious. In the present time of gender equality, some innovation might come someday. Ramatali can be considered a unifier as both men and women clap together to build a crescendo.