Journal of Discourse Review

Journal of Discourse Review

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Volume: 1 Issue: 2

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  • Original Article

Madhu-Sravani: An Ecofeminist and Folkloric Perspective on Mithila’s Sacred Traditions

Chandni Kumari1

1 Banaras Hindu University, India

 

*Corresponding author: [email protected]
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4684-6419

Year: 2025, Page: 209-218,

Received: June 11, 2025 Accepted: June 21, 2025 Published: July 29, 2025

Abstract

Madhu-Sravani, a traditional folk festival of Mithila, embodies the intricate relationship between women, nature, and cultural heritage through an ecofeminist lens. Rooted in the worship of Shiva, Parvati, and serpent deities, this festival serves as a unique confluence of mythology, folklore, and environmental consciousness. Women play a central role, not only as devotees but also as priests, challenging patriarchal norms and asserting their agency in religious and cultural spaces. The festival’s rituals—ranging from serpent worship to the symbolic use of rare flora—highlight indigenous ecological wisdom and biodiversity conservation. Folktales associated with Madhu-Sravani, such as the story of the Nagakanyas, promote environmental awareness through oral traditions. Additionally, the festival’s folk songs and Behula’s devotion reinforce the deep interdependence of human life and nature, helping preserve collective memory and express the emotional and spiritual dimensions of this tradition. However, certain rituals, such as the Tami practice, also reflect gendered expectations and social constructs of sacrifice. By analysing Madhu-Sravani through the framework of ecofeminism, this paper explores how folklore and cultural traditions can serve as tools for both empowerment and sustainability, offering insights into the resilience of indigenous knowledge systems in the face of modernization and environmental challenges. This study adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on textual analysis, thematic interpretation, and ethnographic insights. It relies on secondary sources—including scholarly articles, research papers, and cultural narratives—to explore the interplay between folklore, gender roles, and ecological consciousness in Mithila’s traditions. 

Keywords: Mithila Tradition, Aripana Folklore, Biodiversity conversation, Folk wisdom, Folk Song, Mythology.

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Cite this article

Kumari, C. (2025). Madhu-Sravani: An Ecofeminist and Folkloric Perspective on Mithila’s Sacred Traditions. Journal of Discourse Review, 1(2), 209-218.