Feel the difference: What does it mean to be a Hindu from Nepal in Oslo, Norway? KESHAB PURI Supervisor Kjetil Fretheim This Master’s Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MA degree at MF Norwegian School of Theology, [2017, Spring] AVH5035 Master's Thesis (60 ECTS) Master in Religion, Society and Global Issues WORD COUNT 32913 i Abstract This is an academic research project which thoroughly presents a comprehension about the extensive reality of the Nepalese Hindu migrants in Oslo, Norway. Qualitative research method has been chosen and employed for this research project. Prior to interview, an interview guide has been prepared to conduct the semi-structured interviews. Altogether, nineteen individuals have been interviewed to get their ideas on Hinduism in relation to perception, religious identity, and the reflection of migrant status. Significantly, the ideas and theories of Hinduism, migration, diaspora, and globalization have been applied to tackle the issues in the research project and produce a good thesis. However, the primary data will be used to analyze and come to a conclusion. The project writing equally respects the other religions, cultures, and people including Hinduism itself. Moreover, it strictly follows the research ethics. Hinduism is defined as the oldest and flexible religion which does not necessarily demand any obligatory steps to follow and practice. Temple represents the identity of the Nepalese Hindu migrants, but there is not established any Nepali Hindu temple in Oslo. Even if there is no any Nepali Hindu temple in Oslo, it is still possible to learn and follow the religion digitally. Regarding the typologies, there are mentioned four kinds of Hindus which are noted as traditional, conservative, modern, and religious. In short, Hinduism believes in co-existence, equality, and philanthropy regardless of conservative beliefs. On the other side of the same coin, the Nepalese Hindus are marginalized, so that their religious identity has been threatened. Keywords: Nepalese Hindu Migrants, Qualitative Research Method, Fieldwork, Interview, Ideas and Theories, Veda, Temple, Puja, Namaste, Caste System, Festivals, and Digital Hindus. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my thesis supervisor Professor Kjetil Fretheim (MF Norwegian School of Theology/Ethics and Diaconal Studies) for the continuous support in my research project. His motivational guidance helped me in all the time of research and writing of this thesis. I highly appreciate him for the friendly behavior and supportive nature. I am thankful to Rådgiver (advisor) Berit Widerøe Hillestad, Rupesh Gauchan, Manoj Upadhyaya, entire staffs at MF, and all the informants. Similarly, I am grateful to my wife Mrs. Menuka Giri Puri, brother Mr. Tej Bahadur Puri (Santosh), sister in law Salina Puri, sisters Rupa, Anamika (Khina), and Kushal Puri for their love, support, and best wishes. Last but not the least, I am extremely happy to extend the heartiest and greatest respect to my parents Mr. Surya Bahadur Puri and Purna Kumari Giri (Puri) for their unconditional love, blessings, and everything. Keshab Puri Oslo, Norway 15 May 2017 iii Table of Contents Chapter One ............................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background of the Research Project .............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Research Problem ........................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Methodological Approach ............................................................................................................ 4 1.4 Theoretical Approach ...................................................................................................................... 5 1.5 Presentation Chapter ...................................................................................................................... 8 1.6 Analysis Chapter .............................................................................................................................. 8 Chapter Two.................................................................................................................................................. 9 2. Methodology ......................................................................................................................................... 9 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 9 2.2 The Importance of Research ........................................................................................................... 9 2.3 Research Design ........................................................................................................................... 10 2.4 Qualitative Research Method ....................................................................................................... 11 2.5 Method of Data Collection ............................................................................................................ 12 2.6 Semi-structured Interviews ........................................................................................................... 13 2.6.1 Background Information ........................................................................................................ 14 2.6.2 Interview Questionnaires ....................................................................................................... 16 2.7 Sampling ........................................................................................................................................ 18 2.8 Fieldwork and Field Notes ............................................................................................................. 19 2.9 Reliability and Validity of the Research ........................................................................................ 20 2.10 Ethical Reflection ........................................................................................................................ 21 2.11 The Role of a Researcher ............................................................................................................ 22 Chapter Three.............................................................................................................................................. 25 3. Theoretical Discussion ........................................................................................................................ 25 3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 25 3.2 Hinduism ....................................................................................................................................... 26 3.2.1 Sacred Books .......................................................................................................................... 27 3.2.2 Veda ...................................................................................................................................... 28 3.2.3 A Belief in God ........................................................................................................................ 29 3.2.4 Puja as the Ritual Worship of God ......................................................................................... 30 iv 3.2.5 Caste System in Hinduism ...................................................................................................... 31 3.2.6 Customs and Festivals ............................................................................................................ 32 3.2.7 The Way of Understanding Hinduism in Norway................................................................... 34 3.2.8 The Nepalese Perspective on Hinduism ................................................................................. 35 3.3 Migration ....................................................................................................................................... 36 3.3.1 Opportunities of Migration .................................................................................................... 38 3.3.2 Challenges of Migration ......................................................................................................... 40 3.3.3 Migration in Norway .............................................................................................................. 40 3.3.4 Hindu Migration in the Norwegian Context ........................................................................... 42 3.3.5 Functional Theory .................................................................................................................. 43 3.3.6 Migration as a Label ............................................................................................................... 44 3.4 Diaspora ........................................................................................................................................ 44 3.5 Globalization ................................................................................................................................