Analyzing the Evolution of Bhawal Folk Traditions in Contemporary Bangladesh Society

Md. Mansur Hoshain, Mohammed Shafiqul Islam, Md. Motiur Rahaman, Kazi Muhibbullah

Jan-Feb-Mar

Abstract
The purpose of the study is to present an overview on how Bhawal folk tradition have changed and adapted in today’s Bangladesh society. The research also aims to explore how such traditions have evolved and play roles in present day cultures. Following a qualitative approach, the study utilized interviews, participant observations, and documents analysis as main data gathering tools. Concerning the interview participants, 60 of the respondents were local historians, folk performers, and elders, the people to assist in providing first-hand narratives on cultural transitions. Stanford’s pilot study, fieldwork was conducted in Bhawal region, whereas in this study, another Bhawal region was explored to identify the historical changes, through collected documents analysis. Data analysis was done thematically with regard to adaptation, preservation, and blurring with the contemporary practices. Research indicates that while some social practices of Bhawal traditions have indeed lost some of their essence to urbanization and globalization, that some of them remain to be creatively incorporated into contemporary cultural packages. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the difference between the tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as the urgent necessity of raising the awareness of the younger generations about the value of the heritage. This paper provides insights into cultural maintenance and alteration dynamics and offers validation for preservation of heritage in a globalizing world.

Keyword: Bhaual folk traditions, qualitative research, cultural evolution, community respondents, thematic analysis

Research Area: Arts

Country: Bangladesh

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