Living Dead

 

Untouchable, also called Dalit, officially scheduled caste, formerly Harijan, in traditional Indian society, the former name for any member of a wide range of low-caste Hindu groups and any person outside the caste system. The Dalits are known as the Untouchables in many parts of South Asia. Their work relates to death, bodies, meat, bodily fluids & they face work & descent-based discrimination at the hands of the dominant castes too. The word ‘Dalit’ in Bangladesh is of recent adoption, and thus not yet well known. Before that, the Bengali term Antaj was used. Even that term, however, did not get widespread adoption. They face discrimination at all levels of social interaction such as from hotels, to barbershops, from temples to mosques and schools. Socially their standing is negligible. They are not involved in social dynamics and are often used by influential people to pursue their unholy aims. Most of the children live an absurd tormented life that made the dalits more introvert & irritable. Tolerated and patronised as long as they remain in their traditional social roles, they are openly threatened and insulted, and beaten while attempting to bring changes among them. Still they celebrate their own festivals to satisfy their God & Goddess, such as Kali worship, Sun worship, swing festival etc. They try to follow the ultimate possibilities to maintain the rituals of their families & traditions. I tried to be with them to know more about themselves & to know more about their Beliefs.