Guthi system

Socio-Cultural Significance of Guthi system in Newar community (Kirtipur)

Roji Maharjan

Thesis Guide Sr. Stella Davis

St.Xavier’s College, MaitigharKathmandu UniversityJune 2016

Introduction "The term “Guthi” was derived from the Sanskrit word

“Gosthi”, and literally means gathering of people. An association formed by groups of people based on

kinship, caste or territorial aspects for the establishment and maintenance of religious and cultural functions .

Guthi are compulsory whereas some are purely optional Inherited by birth 'common trust' consisting mainly of cultivated lands as

assets." The main objective of the Guthi is to do welfare of the

people by undertaking a religious Board Members: Guthiyars and Head Thakali

It was noticeably since the Licchavi period [5th-9thcentury CE] All the scholars whoever have studied newars has included guthi in their study. Collective group of people that ties bond

Establish, renovates temples, chariots, Bihar, roads, ponds etc. Conducts all Jatras and Festivals Sanatan Guthi (Death Guthi) most important guthi that performs Death rituals. Guthi Sanstha (1964) incorporates all the Guthis of Nepal

Types of guthi, Religious guthi, Service-oriented Guthi, Communal Guthi, Entertainment oriented Guthi

Objectives of research To find out the functions of Guthi system.

To know about development activities being conducted by the Guthi at

present context to preserve culture.

To study socio-cultural importance of guthi in today’s present society

Research question “What is the socio-cultural importance of guthi system in today’s society?”

How do people perceive Guthi System?

Different development activities conducted by Guthi System?

Rationale of the study The culture of Kirtipur is unique and very few studies have

been done in guthi of Kirtipur specifically.

Guthi is integral part of society that binds newars and their

culture, it is still actively prevailing but due to some factors

its importance has been degrading compare to before.

It alerts people to preserve traditional social living

institution of Nepal

Statement of the problem

Guthi formed for Nobel purpose today are weakening due to modern institution and technology

Newar culture and its guthi is rich in culture and tradition

but newar youths are lacking knowledge about guthi.

Limitation

Time limitation

Excessive number of Guthi

Little specific information about Guthis of

Kirtipur

Research Methodology Research Design Descriptive research collected data through primary data

collection interview and also used secondary data to frame context and relevance of the study.

Area of the study This study focuses on kirtipur, kathmandu The Universe and the sample The universe/population of research is the newars of

Kirtipur area. Who are and were part of Guthi system. In this study the researcher collected 51 samples from newars of Kirtipur.

Data Collection The data collected for the research were both quantitative as well as qualitative in

nature. Primary Source of data collection was questionnaire with 36 open and close ended

and interview.Secondary source of data collection was books and journal. Scope of the studyit has been conducting various rituals and programs but due to its traditional aspects

people are seen little interested though they are part of the guthi. Data of this research will demonstrate importance of guthi system in newars community of Kirtipur.

Major Findings 54 percent of respondent were jyapu

(Fig 1) Fig 2 shows 71 percent respondent

belongs to communal guthi, 13 percent belongs to entertainment at 10 percent in religious guthi where as 6 percent belongs to private guthi respectively.

Fig 3. shows 54 percent respondent stated all of the above for the purpose of guthi

61 percent respondent stated guthi as important. 31 percent

respond guthi as very important, 8 important percent stated as not so and no respondent stated as not needed.

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 4Fig 4 shows that guthi members does not need to participate in all the activities every time.

Fig 5 shows 66 percent take guthi as compulsion and 2 percent respondent take it as flexible

The major guthis of kirtipur Dharmik guthi, Samajik guthi, Samuhik guthi and sanskritik guthi

Fig 5

Social significance of guthi system

Cultural significance of guthi system

Fig 6

Fig 7

Fig 7 Development activities conducted by guthiEconomic source of guthi.Fig 8

•Fig 9 shows that ,Though people do not have clear idea about roles of guthi they have desire to maintain and preserve it

Fig 10 shows that Guthi is an institution that is fully supported by Nepal government but these days has shown less interest compare to previous decades.

Fig 10

Fig 9

Conclusion In Kirtipur there are various guthi that performs different

activities. Guthis are separated to conduct activities that are minute to major. There are guthi who does minor work like maintain of water pipe, bridge, rest houses and major works like conducting funeral rites, festivals, Jatras, making of temples, strict religious activities ,roads and utilization of guthi land for economic purpose.

At present there are four types of guthi seen in Kirtipur

according to its function those concerned with the maintenance of particular shrines of temple, those for the worship for conducting funeral ceremonies.

Recommendation Micro Level Awareness to youth Individual benefit Accountability of money Mezzo Level Include all generation during festivalsPreserve and protect property of guthiShould not hamper primary work of individualShould not pressurize in economyRules should be valid according to need Macro Level Support from governmentGuthi land rules and act