Document Abstract
Ancestor veneration is a phenomenon that can be observed in various cultures around
the world, where individuals honor and pay tribute to their deceased ancestors. This
practice has been recognized as a significant aspect of cultural heritage in the Birhor
tribal society too, as it embodies the beliefs and values of a community, and helps to
preserve their cultural identity over time. This paper aims to examine the role of ancestor
veneration in cultural heritage from an anthropological perspective. It explores the ways
in which ancestor veneration is practiced in Birhor tribal society, the cultural meanings
and symbols associated with this practice, and its impact on the transmission of cultural
knowledge from generation to generation. The paper argues that ancestor veneration
serves as a mechanism for passing the torch of cultural heritage from one generation to
the next, by connecting individuals to their cultural past and providing them with a
sense of continuity and belonging. Furthermore, the paper highlights the ways in which
ancestor veneration has adapted to changing social and cultural contexts, such as
urbanization, and how it continues to evolve as a dynamic aspect of cultural heritage.
Overall, the paper emphasizes the importance of understanding ancestor veneration as
a critical component of cultural heritage and highlights the need for further research and
documentation of this practice to ensure its preservation for future generations.