Draft:Jata Removal Movement

The Jata removal movement is a socio-cultural activism initiative in India aimed at addressing the cultural and superstitious practices associated with 'jata'— non-volitional matted hair growth, mostly among women. “Matted hair is dreadlocks or irreversibly tangled hair with multiple locks.” In certain Indian communities, particularly in southwestern regions, such matted hair is considered as an appearance of deities such as their clan deities or goddesses like Yellamma. The religious-based and cultural prohibitions discourage the cutting or combing of jata, as it is thought to invite misfortune or divine wrath. Consequently, as the matted clump grows the affected women often experience significant physical discomfort, health issues, and social stigma.

Background

The exact causes behind the formation of jata are not explicitly known, although several explanations exist. Most rationalist activists engaged in jata removal attribute it to poor hair hygiene, lack of regular combing, or underlying health conditions. However, cultural and religious interpretations have transformed this physical condition into a symbol of spiritual significance. In some cultural systems, jata is linked to the Devadasi system, where young girls are dedicated to temples, leading to lifelong socio-economic and health challenges. A majority of the Devadasi dedications (almost 90%) are attributed to the emergence of matted hair on young females.

Jata removal involves either cutting or untangling matted hair, began as a rationalist action led by activists who viewed such practices as gendered, oppressive, and harmful cultural violating health and human rights of affected women. Former Devadasis from historically untouchable communities such as Gaurabai Salvade from Gadhinglaj Block near Maharahstra - Karnataka border, came forward and influenced matted-hair affected women for removing their jata. Their inspirational efforts were facilitated by Prof. Banne. The renowned educator couple Mr. and Mrs. Vaskar, Dr. Rajendra Kumbhar, Dr. Sudhir Kumbhar, and several other rationalist thinkers came forward and mobilized jata removal by engaging young volunteers from schools and colleges. Non-profit organizations such as Mahila Abhivrudhi Mattu Samrakshana Samsthe (MASS), M. N. Roy Institute, and Maharashtra Andhshradha Nirmulan Samiti have contributed significantly.

Health and human rights implications

Historically, due to its religious-based and cultural importance, jata or matted hair was not recognized as a health problem. However, with gradual health awareness, communities that have been worshiping jata began to view it with an open mind, thanks to the relentless efforts of the jata removal activists. In his pioneer research on the issue of matted hair, activist-scholar Dr. Govind Dhaske documented the lived experiences of jata-affected women revealing the various health and mental health problems, including scalp infections, lice infestations, and chronic headaches due to the weight of the matted hair. Moreover, due to different taboos and superstitions beliefs surrounding matted hair, affected women and their families may face isolation, stigmatization, and are sometimes coerced into ritualistic practices that limit their personal freedoms and opportunities and further add economic burden. The superstitious cultural practices surrounding jata not only lead to gender inequality and discrimination but also interfere with the fundamental rights of women to good health and overall well-being, perpetuating harmful cultural practices.

Initiatives

The Jata Removal Movement uses persuasive communication, health awareness, public education, and direct intervention to remove misconceptions about jata. Activists like Dr. Sudhir Kumbhar target harmful superstitions and ensure respect for religious freedom. To counsel vulnerable women and their families about the health risks linked with jata a culturally sensitive approach is used. Major actions are:

• To counsel affected women and their families to ensure to facilitate thinking along the lines of scientific views for jata.
• To organize awareness Campaigns to educate the public about the health risks and superstitions associated with jata.
• To assist jata-affected women with a proper consent mechanism, in securely removing matted hair and offering post-removal support for a stigma-free reintegration into society.

There is notable diversity within the jata removal approaches followed by activists based on their beliefs. Dr Sudhir Kumbhar and Dr. Rajendra Kumbhar have been known for their culturally sensitive approach where they do not use scissors to respect the religious-based beliefs of affected women and their families. In several cases, women can worship or perform rituals before undergoing jata removal. On the other hand, some other groups of activists have been found to shave affected women’s heads based on their medical beliefs. No comparative study is available on the impact of diverse approaches followed by activists.

Challenges

Due to the ingrained cultural convictions, the Jata Removal Movement often faces strong opposition. While some families are reluctant to allow the removal of jata due to their fear of divine curses or retribution, there are social and religious-based entities that resist jata removal. In several parts, individuals who self-proclaim themselves as holy or priestly, sometimes exploit the cultural superstitious behavior in order to make money. Activist scholar Dr. Govind Dhaske revealed that while there is a ban on the Devadasi tradition, the lack of a legal ban on allied superstitious practices has led to perpetual gender-centric challenges.

Impact and progress

The Jata Removal Movement, despite challenges and a lack of a supportive environment, has made significant progress. Several women across diverse castes have benefited from the removal of their jata which has improved their health and social experience. In southwest Maharashtra adjacent to Karnataka, activists such as Dr. Sudhir Kumbhar of M N Roy Institute, and the Pune region activists like Nandini Jadhav of ANS have been actively functional. The Jata Removal Movement has encouraged wider conversations about the relationship between gender discrimination, superstition, and health.

In the context of India, the Jata Removal Movement is an important initiative to tackle harmful cultural practices that endanger the health and human rights of affected women. By utilizing education and compassionate action to dispel superstitions, this movement seeks to empower women, champion gender equality, and cultivate a society with a more profound understanding of science.