Leisure in Spiritualism : Alien to Male-Folk

The present paper intends to make a comparison between the male and female members of the Marwari community in terms of their participation in socio-religious gatherings. Marwaris are known to have two religious sects: the first comprises idol-worshippers, like the Agarwals, Maheshwaris and Oswals, and the second, the non-idol-worshippers, like the Jains. Active involvement in religious gatherings is a commonplace characteristic of the Jains and this particular custom is seen improving social relations both within and outside the community.

The role of Marwari Jain women is noteworthy in this context. For most of the time they are found tied to their apron with little or no association outside the threshold. Obtuseness of husbands also adds to their misery. In such circumstances, religious organizations, mostly named ‘GOSTIS’ prove beneficial in venting their shriveled up emotions to other female peers and building ties with them. These women, irrespective of any predisposition, regularly gather in such meets, where through prayers and incantations (precisely, chanting of ‘Samayak’) some remarkably pleasant time is spent. Often, such assemblages are followed by refreshment at a member’s place, where children of the member families also participate. Inter-generational ties are thus strengthened with such initiatives taken preeminently by these women.

Men, however, remain aloof from such settings and only partake when their ‘Guruji’ visits at any juncture. Marwari women thus, enjoy an upper hand in all cases relating to spiritualism, and enjoy this authoritative position as it gives them the opportunity to spend their leisure in a healthy manner. A considerable demarcation thus separates the Marwari men and women in connection to their notion of leisure in spiritualism and this is what this paper intends to throw light upon. A detailed survey-work has been undertaken with some in-depth interviews to represent this field as accurately as possible.