An Ethnographic Study of Funeral Practices among the Paniya tribe in Malappuram District, Kerala

Abstract

Funeral rituals are important cultural practices that reflect a community’s beliefs about death and the afterlife. This paper examines the funeral practices of the Paniya tribe in Malappuram district, Kerala. The study is based on field observations, oral survey, secondary sources, and it documents the sequence and meaning of rituals performed after death. Among the paniyas, death is understood as a transition rather than an end, which is evident in their multi-stage ritual process. These include rituals conducted at home, burial practices, the aattu ceremony involving an oracle, adiyantharam, and a final ceremony held after one or two years. The rituals involve offerings, fasting, and active participation of family and community members. Variations in practices based on social roles are also observed. The study highlights how these rituals express cultural values and how deeply connected people are to their traditions, faith, and cultural identity. By documenting the funeral practice, it is possible to understand the belief system, post-death rituals and customs paniya tribe in Malappuram district.