This research paper examines the death and mourning rituals among Pashtun diaspora communities through an ethnographic lens. Drawing upon over 35 in-depth interviews with family members and community leaders, as well as extensive field observations of Pashtun families, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of traditional practices, cultural beliefs, and evolving social dynamics related to death and mourning. The findings suggest that Pashtun mourning rituals are deeply rooted in a complex interplay of religious prescriptions and local customs, and while traditional rituals continue to influence communal responses to death, modernization and socio-political changes have fostered adaptations and innovations in mourning practices. The paper discusses these findings within broader anthropological and sociological frameworks to offer a comprehensive view of how mourning practices in the Pashtun community in Kashmir are constructed, experienced, and transformed. The integration of traditional rituals with emerging practices reflects a dynamic interplay between culture, tradition and modernity.
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