As of late, I’ve been pondering quite a bit about Nepalese notions of jutho or “polluted.” Jutho most commonly refers to food or drink that has been contaminated by another’s touch, but also extends to concepts of that most demeaning of words, untouchability, with regards to people. Food that has been touched by someone—even just touching one’s plate—is considered polluted and will be discarded rather than taken by another person. People of Brahmin caste cannot eat food that has been prepared by lower caste individuals and, of course, the left hand is a no-no (that one I have to agree with as I do my own business with my left hand…). The one exception to this food rule is between husband and wife, which is of great relief for Migyoung and myself as we love to share our dishes and beverages. People of higher castes who strictly adhere to these notions of jutho must take a ritual bath to purify themselves if they touch someone of a lower caste…
While rules regarding “juthoed” food seem to be followed closely by just about everyone, it is virtually impossible in the bustle and diversity of ethnic groups in today’s Nepal not to come into contact with all different castes of people while in a crowded market, city street or bus, anywhere. Our local bus to Janakpur is a case in point: it is normally packed with every caste and creed imaginable from poor and devout women of an obviously lower caste—speaking something other than Nepali, to crowds of familes visiting friends and relatives down the way at the leper hospital…
What is even more interesting to me regarding jutho is that it does not seem to extend to one’s immediate surroundings or the natural environment. One may not be allowed to touch the plate of another individual, yet shit flows freely through streams and waterways and litter and garbage of all sorts is discarded indiscriminately. Pollution, in western senses of the word, are completely different. While concepts of cleanliness and hygiene may indeed be culturally laden, Nepalis are more sweepers than scrubbers; dousers rather than bathers. While this is not meant as a diatribe regarding cleanliness and sanitation in Nepal, I do find it odd that a culture with such defined rules of pollution on a very personal basis does not see the benefits—nor seems to be bothered about—of extending concepts and ideas of pollution (and with it responsibility) to the public arena. That is perhaps easier said than done in a country where over 50% of the population are illiterate, have received no formal education, and the nonbiodegradable paraphernalia of globalization has been thrust upon them as a convenience. Nor does the government seem interested in taking an active role or bankrolling anything other than lip service to public awareness campaigns. On the positive side of this, one does see attempts on the part of many NGOs—both domestic and international—to advocate on behalf of public health, hygiene and sanitation programs. It is part of a wider and more holistic movement which focuses on women, dalits and other marginalized groups—the traditionally “juthoed” groups cast aside (no pun intended) by this society. Indeed, in a culture and society that places such emphasis on motherhood, child birth and rearing, menstruating women are also considered jutho and not allowed in the kitchen, and in more draconian forms, are made to sleep outside of the house in something akin to a animal shed. Thankfully, I have not seen this in practice nor do I believe it is widespread.
Posted by david at May 8, 2004 02:32 PM