An exploratory study of ‘Chira Phodane’ among Kolhati community in Shirur block of Pune district

The unique cultural practice of ‘Chira Phodane’ is about to abolish with the modernization impacts; hence it is very essential to document its socio-cultural significance in anthropology. The facilities given by the constitution are utilized by the young generation and they do graduation and get good jobs but still the practice mentioned above prevails, which needs to be studied with bio-genetical aspects also. ‘Chira Phodane’ is cultural practice among the Kolhatis - the folk artists of Maharashtra; that permits institutionalized prostitution, exploit women and make them mandatory to feed their father's and brothers’ family. But the consequences are poor for the woman's children. Children living in one family can't identify them with single surname; mostly mother's maternal name is given to them and this becomes issue for the outside world, schools, ration card, etc. If children don't go to school and don't get some nice job then old age of these women becomes very pathetic.