Manas and Mahabharata

When you understand where you come from and what is important to you, it helps you understand how to interact with other people. If you know that other people may have different traditions and values, you can be more tolerant and respectful towards them. Understanding differences helps avoid conflicts and build friendly relationships between different groups of people. There is a Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, he has a novel called “Mankurt”. We call “Mankurt” those people who do not remember their history, do not remember their culture, their people, and those who do not know their fathers. In our culture, every person should know the names of their 7 fathers and their tribe. The father’s name, the grandfather’s name, the great-grandfather’s name, and so on. For example, I am from the Kipchak tribe. So what I want to say is that don’t be Mankurt. Your story – your life.

“Manas” is a majestic epic that has permeated the culture and identity of the Kyrgyz people for centuries. This heroic literary work not only recounts the adventures of the main character, Manas, but also reflects the richness of Kyrgyz culture, its values, and traditions. The epic carries not only epic plots but also deep philosophical thoughts, moral lessons, and examples of heroism. It has become a unique historical archive, passing down knowledge of the Kyrgyz people’s past, their struggle for independence, and unity through generations. “Manas” also holds social significance, strengthening society by conveying shared values and norms. It serves as a pillar of cultural heritage, uniting generations of the Kyrgyz people in pride for their history. Thus, “Manas” is not just a literary work but a cultural treasure that penetrates the deepest layers of the consciousness and hearts of the Kyrgyz people, reinforcing their cultural identity and national self-awareness. “Manas” is rightfully called the encyclopedia of the life of the Kyrgyz people. History, way of life, customs, geography – in short, every aspect of Kyrgyz life from the smallest details of everyday life to significant events can be found in this epic. Moreover, the “Manas” epic is included in the Guinness World Records as the longest poetic work in the world. In childhood, we used to memorize a few lines from this epic and recite them at school. Some could not be stopped once they started telling the story; it was as if they entered a trance. There are people to whom Manas appeared in a dream, and the next day, they would begin narrating the epic. I remember we were taught to recite Manas poems since kindergarten. In school, people played our national musical instrument “Komuz” and recited Manas. It’s captivating. During quarantine, I read a book comparing Sayakbay Karalaev and Sagynbai Orozbekov about Manas. These are the two most famous Manaschis. Manas is divided into three parts: “Manas”, “Semetey”, and “Seitek”. And in the same book, there were stories of people about how they started narrating Manas, how they became Manaschis. It’s a very interesting book, and the most interesting thing about this book is that these are a real people.

These events I’m about to share revolve around the epic ‘Mahabharata. It’s an ancient work from Indian literature that has endured for centuries, becoming a vital part of our cultural traditions. While not a conventional celebration, reading and performing the ‘Mahabharata’ has become a unique event, significant for millions. This narrative originated in ancient India, attributed to the wise Vyasa. The exact date of its creation is uncertain, but it’s believed to have been between 400 BCE and 400 CE. Over these years, the ‘Mahabharata’ has undergone numerous changes, interpretations, and even theatrical performances, making it a diverse and evolving facet of Indian culture. Various people in India partake in the reading of the ‘Mahabharata.’ It involves scholars, storytellers, actors, and religious individuals. Temples, educational centers, and cultural organizations play a crucial role in preserving and
promoting this epic. It intertwines with different aspects of life: families, educational institutions, and religious groups. The significance of the ‘Mahabharata’ lies in its rich narrative, moral lessons, and philosophical ideas.

This epic serves as a cultural and ethical guide for many, delving into complex themes like duty, justice, and the consequences of war. The ‘Mahabharata’ has become a source of spiritual wisdom, inspiring people to live with virtue and honesty in the complexities of life. I find it intriguing to study the ‘Mahabharata’ because of its multifaceted nature. It is a literary work, a religious text, and a cultural symbol all in one. Its enduring relevance and adaptability to various art forms showcase its profound impact on Indian society. Choosing the ‘Mahabharata’ for my essay has allowed me to immerse myself in Indian culture and philosophy. Exploring this epic has given me an understanding of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters, resembling the challenges we encounter in our daily lives. Additionally, it has helped me appreciate the diversity and richness of cultural celebrations beyond traditional festivals and customs. The ‘Mahabharata’ stands as an everlasting story that shapes societies and individuals over many years.”

The epics “Manas” and “Mahabharata” are two outstanding cultural phenomena that have many similarities and differences. Both epics are important parts of the cultural heritage of their peoples – “Manas” of the Kyrgyz people and “Mahabharata” of the Indian people. The similarity of these epics, cultural significance, both epics have immense cultural significance and are
considered sacred texts for their respective peoples. And both epics cover a wide range of time and space, describing events and characters over many generations. Also epics contain profound moral lessons and philosophical reflections on life, justice, good, and evil. Differences, cultural context, “Manas” represents the culture of the Kyrgyz people, while “Mahabharata” reflects Indian culture. Religious aspects, “Mahabharata” contains many religious and mythological elements associated with Hinduism, while “Manas” has fewer
pronounced religious motives. And “Manas” is often described as more realistic and down-to-earth, while “Mahabharata” often includes magical elements and divine intervention. The common theme that is most noticeable when comparing these two epics is the human quest for understanding one’s place in the world and the struggle for justice and goodness. Both epics emphasize the importance of moral values and good deeds in the face of trials and temptations. In conclusion, “Manas” and “Mahabharata” are two books that tell stories of heroes, adventures, and lessons. They are both very important for their respective peoples and contain many stories and wisdom. These books inspire people and help them understand their culture and traditions. Together, they form part of the cultural heritage of many countries and continue to be of interest to people all over the world.

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