In Manipuri society, monetary Dakshina/ Dakhina is not merely a form of money—it is a profound symbol of respect, tradition, and the delicate relationship between culture and economy. Rooted in Indian traditions, Dakshina is the practice of offering monetary or material gifts as tokens of reverence, gratitude, and devotion. It plays an essential role in cultural and religious events such as rites, rituals, festivals, and social gatherings, weaving itself into the very fabric of Manipuri society. Here, what I refer to as Dakshina are the monetary ones. The The offerings of Dakshina, whether in the form of ₹1 coins or ₹10 notes, are not just practical choices; they are deeply tied to cultural and symbolic beliefs, including the significance of odd numbers being sacred and pure.
At its core, Dakshina is not about the exchange of money. Rather, it signifies an act of reverence, a meaningful gesture that connects individuals to their cultural, religious, or familial practices. This offering is expected in a wide variety of ceremonies, from weddings to funerals, and is a common feature in any occasion where people gather to celebrate or mourn. The importance of Dakshina is not merely economic; it strengthens the social bonds between hosts and guests, while also facilitating a spiritual connection with the divine. It represents more than a financial transaction—it is an embodiment of blessing, goodwill, and respect.
The significance of Dakshina goes beyond the monetary value of the offerings themselves. There is a ritualistic dimension to these choices. The value of the offering is often not directly linked to wealth but rather to respect, the context of the ceremony, and the relationship between the giver and receiver. For example, ₹1 coin and ₹10 notes are commonly used, but this is not merely because they are affordable but because odd numbers are considered sacred. Wealthier hosts may use higher value as long as it is not used in ritualistic occasions such as offerings to God.
One of the most interesting aspects of Dakshina in Manipuri society is the social expectation that the host will offer Dakshina to their guests during religious or cultural ceremonies. It is considered impolite for a guest to refuse the Dakshina when it is offered, as it is a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. However, this norm does not apply to close relatives or family members, who typically do not receive Dakshina from the host. The rationale is that family members and close kin are already considered part of the host’s immediate circle and therefore exempt from the practice. This reflects a deep understanding of familial hierarchies and relationships, where close kin are expected to offer respect and receive it in other forms rather than through monetary offerings.
In addition to religious rituals, Dakshina is also integral to major social functions, such as weddings, death rituals, and birth ceremonies. During these events, hosts are expected to give Dakshina to all attendees as a gesture of courtesy. Likewise, performers, such as musicians, dancers, or other artists, are typically recipients of Dakshina. Guests often shower them with money in recognition of their skill and contribution to the ceremony. This practice is a form of cultural acknowledgment, where the performers are not merely compensated for their services, but celebrated and appreciated for the role they play in making the event meaningful.
A distinctive aspect of Dakshina is the preference for new currency notes. The offering of fresh, uncirculated notes holds symbolic significance—it represents purity, cleanliness, and the desire to give the best possible offering to the recipient. The fresh notes also enhance the aesthetic value of the offering, making it visually pleasing and reinforcing the importance of the gesture. However, the availability of new ₹10 notes has become a challenge in recent years, with scarcity in both banks and money traders. This scarcity can create difficulties for those wishing to follow the tradition of offering fresh ₹10 notes, leading some individuals to adapt by using ₹20 or ₹50 notes, which may be more readily available. This flexibility highlights the evolving nature of the practice, as people adjust to the availability of currency, yet continue to adhere to the underlying cultural and ritualistic values.
The question of how the availability of currency affects the practice of Dakshina is an interesting one. If ₹5 notes were more readily available, it is conceivable that they would become the standard denomination for Dakshina, offering a more accessible and affordable option for a wider range of people. Likewise, if ₹10 notes were no longer in circulation, it is likely that the community would adapt by using the next available denomination, such as ₹20 notes. While the material form of Dakshina may shift in response to these changes, the core symbolic value would likely remain intact. The essence of Dakshina as a gesture of respect, gratitude, and spiritual devotion is not dependent on the specific denomination, but rather on the intention and meaning behind the offering.
This raises a fascinating question about whether culture is something we merely follow or actively create. Cultural practices are not static; they evolve over time, responding to both external influences—such as changes in the economy—and internal factors, such as shifts in values and traditions. While the core purpose of Dakshina remains the same—expressing respect and fostering social and spiritual connections—the way it is materialized can change. The adoption of different currency denominations in response to economic conditions reflects the dynamic nature of cultural practices, showing that culture is an ongoing process of negotiation between tradition and the contemporary realities of society.
The practice of Dakshina highlights the dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity, showing how economic factors like inflation, currency shortages, and government policies influence cultural rituals. For example, in the absence of ₹10 notes, people may use higher denominations like ₹20 or ₹50, adapting the practice while preserving its essence. In times of economic hardship, Dakshina may take on a more symbolic form, where the value of the offering is measured by intention rather than monetary worth. This adaptability demonstrates the flexibility of cultural practices, ensuring that Dakshina remains a meaningful expression of respect, gratitude, and community, even in changing socio-economic environments.
The writer is a social researcher and holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology from Delhi University
