Pushkarna - Culture

Culture

• Language:

The languages spoken by Pushkarnas are primarily offshot of the root language Dhatki or Dhati. Local languages like Marwari, Hindi, Sindhi and Mewari are also spoken by Brahmins living in communities where these languages are spoken. Interestingly, some of words in the vocabulary originate from Saraiki.

• Food and Drinks:

Alcohol is generally not a part of Pushkarna life. Some of the famous Pushkarna dishes are heero,(seera), ker-komatiya, hongri, (sangri), gatta, (gatte), lawasi, ker dakhon ro haag, haldi ro haag, dal-bati-churma, gulaab and kheech. Jodhpur if famous for its 'desi ghee' mithai like mawa ki kachori and malai ghewar

Most Pushkarnas are strictly vegetarian. Use of onions, garlic and carrots is prohibited in traditional Pushkarna families (and is largely practiced).

• Music and Dance:

Various folk lores praising the bravery and intellect of the clan are sung across both sides of border, in India and Pakistan. Ghumar is the dance form of the Royals while Kalbelia is the most famous folk dance.

• Family & Practices:

The orthodox families follow a purdah system for females in front of elder brothers in law and fathers in law. This is largely regarded as an expression of deep respect. The family structure is patriarchal, with ample participation from females. Forefather worship (Pitra Puja) is practiced by Pushkarna Brahmins.

• Marriages:

The marriages are generally quite flamboyant. The characteristic of having 4 pheras (a practice close to Vedic Religion) during marriage, unlike 7 is unique. There is also great zeal for community marriages, especially in Bikaner. Large numbers of marriages are held on a particular day in the sawa, every 4 years. Hence this is sometimes also known as marriage olympics. However, due to the unavailability of an effective platform for Pushkarnas to identify and contact different members of the community, the different lingusitic subgroups within the larger Pushkarna Brahmin community across the world often marry outside the Pushkarna Brahmin community.

• Hathai

Hathai is a unique concept where in, males discuss their day to day activities, as well as other vital and non-vital forms of conversations. It's associated with an elevated sitting place, generally near the bustling parts/roads of the city. Hathai is an important cultural cornerstone in the walled cities of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer etc. Literal Connotation is negative in local languages with references such as " Aa kai hathai jamai ho ate ?" ( Why this whiling of time by the group ?) ( Source : Marwari )