Folk Hinduism HDS 3425, Monday 12pm-2pm EST In this course, we will begin with addressing how the study of Folklore is distinguished from the field of Anthropology and Religious Studies, and how mythology contributes to the folk Hinduism. We will look at Ramayana and Draupadi's characterization in different Mahabharata, and also discuss living rituals and performative traditions, for example, theyyam, exorcism in Mehandipur Balaji Temple, etc. Other topics include spirit possession, mediumship, "secretive" practices in digital space, and folk Hinduism in Trinidad and Tobago diaspora communities.  Lecturer Sravana Borkataky-Varma svarma@hds.harvard.edu Teaching Fellow Xingyi Wang xiw1l8@mail.harvard.edu