INTEGRATION, ASSIMILATION, SEPARATION OR MARGINALIZATION? AN INTERFAITH STUDY OF HINDU FESTIVALS IN BAHAWALPUR

Abstract

This study delves into the Hindu community festivals celebrated in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, through the lens of Berry's Model of Acculturation. Despite being a minority within the region, the Hindu community in Bahawalpur holds a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and festivals. Through qualitative analysis and ethnographic research, this paper examines how these festivals serve as focal points for cultural preservation, identity reinforcement, and community cohesion amidst the challenges of acculturation. By applying Berry's Model, which delineates four acculturation strategies integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization, the paper investigates how the Hindu community in Bahawalpur navigates cultural adaptation while maintaining their distinct religious and cultural practices. Through this exploration, the paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of cultural preservation and adaptation within minority communities in diverse sociocultural contexts.