Kalkhunta : A Living Ancestral Heritage: A Panorama of Bastar

Bastar is a homeland of multiethnic unique culture. Hence, the indigenous tribes living here since ages long and have maintained their distinct identity. Ancestor reverence is not the same as regards worshipping of deities. Throughout the globe, some of the communities’ ancestors are seen as being able to intercede on behalf of the living, often as messengers between humans and gods. In India, when a person dies, the family observes mourning as customary period, called ‘Sraddha’ derived from a Sanskrit sentence “Shraddhayat diote” means what is offered with deep respect in memory of the deceased. After one year or six months, they observe the ritual of ‘Tarpan’ to the deceased. Beside, these some other necessary rituals known as funerary monuments (Memorial Pillars) as found in some communities in India. The act is a way to respect, honour and look after ancestors in their after lives as well as seek their guidance for their living descendants