What are societal taboos in south Asia: Understanding the social norms

What are societal taboos|| what taboos are most common in south asia

Types of Social Norms

Societal norms play a significant role in shaping cultural norms and behaviors in South Asia. Rooted in tradition, religion, and social hierarchies, societal taboos are one of them.these taboos often revolve around sensitive topics that challenge established customs and beliefs.

 From inter-caste marriages to discussions about menstruation and LGBTQ+ rights, South Asian societies grapple with a complex web of taboos that influence social interactions and individual choices. 

This article explores some common societal taboos in South Asia, shedding light on the cultural dynamics and social stigmas associated with these topics. 

By understanding these taboos, we can gain insights into the challenges faced by individuals and communities in breaking free from traditional constraints and promoting social progress.

Here are some of the most common taboos

Societal taboos in South Asia can vary depending on the specific country and cultural context, but some common taboos found in the region include:

 1) Inter-caste and inter-religious marriages:

 In some South Asian societies, marrying someone from a different caste or religion can be considered taboo due to traditional beliefs and cultural norms.

2. Menstruation:

 Menstruation is often considered a taboo topic in many South Asian cultures, leading to restrictions on women's participation in religious and social activities during their periods.

In south Asian countries, many women having menstrual cycle are supposed to face many restrictions. Like, 

• don't go to holy places
• Don't wear makeup and perfumes
• Don't take bath untill you are free from this cycle
• Don't eat specific foods
• Women is thought to be very dirtiest and faces hatred. 
  
  
  
  

3. Transgender issue

 Open discussions about transgender is strictly prohibited. If any parent have a transgender kid. They feel ashamed. People make fun of them. They are not allowed to join universities as they are humiliated. Public jobs and national identity card acquiring process gets too much prolonged that transgender prefer to skip this process. 

4. Divorce: 

Divorce is still considered taboo in many South Asian societies, and divorced individuals, especially women, may face social judgment and discrimination.

Not only divorce is thought to be a societal taboos infact in some of  tribes divorced is ousted from home. She becomes homeless. 

Divorce is a greatest social dilemma. It's not just getting apart from each other. It causes separation anxiety disorder as well. As, in south Asian countries mental health wellness has not caught so much attention people who need psychic aid are left on their will. 

5. Mental health:

 Mental health issues are often stigmatized in South Asian cultures, leading to reluctance in seeking professional help for mental health problems.

Mental health wellness is a critical societal taboo. Once who seek psychologist or psychiatrist he is tagged with bad names. 

6. Talking about politics or criticizing the government: 

Criticizing the government or engaging in open political discussions can be seen as inappropriate or risky in some South Asian countries with restrictive political environments. 

People don't have freedom of speech to express their true affiliations with any political party. 

7. Burial or disposal of dead bodies:

 Certain customs and rituals surrounding the disposal of dead bodies may be considered taboo in different countries. One interesting tradition is of kalash valley in Pakistan . They think  mourning upon dead is a taboo. They celebrate the funeral.

Kalashas have been celebrating funerals instead of. mourning. The Kalasha are ancient tribe of Pakistan living in the. Hindukash region of Chitral and they have their own.

Kalash tribe funeral picture 

8. Discussing personal income: 

Talking about personal income or wealth is often considered impolite or inappropriate in many South Asian cultures. People think it's disgusting to ask their income or judge them by their income. People tend to hide their income from their family friends and even their all closed ones. 

9. Eating certain foods: 

There might be cultural and religious taboos related to consuming certain foods, especially for specific groups, such as Hindus and Muslims.

Foot taboos in Muslims

Muslims eat only those things which are allowed in their religion "Islam" .they categorize this calling "Halal" and Haram 

• Halal food item

Halal food items are those which are allowed in Islam to eat like, vegetables, fruits, chicken, mutton, Beef, fish.

• Haram food item

Haram food items are those which are strictly prohibited in Islam like, pigs meat, all sea door except fish and prawns.

Food taboos in Hinduism 

Hindus believe cow is a scared animal. This animal feed them. They regard this as their god. They don't eat beef meat. They strictly follow this taboo as many conflicts have been arose because of this matter. 

It's important to note that societal taboos can vary significantly across different regions, communities, and individual beliefs within South Asia. 

Moreover, with changing times and increasing awareness, some taboos are slowly being challenged and evolving.

Hope you enjoyed reading .keep following for more informative articles

Stay blessed 🙏