Home » Traditions/Trends
Cheiraoba – The Meitei New Year Day
This year, Sajibu Cheiraoba, an important traditional festival of the Meiteis was held on April 4. This festival is celebrated on two different days – Sajibu Nongma Panba, the first day of Sajibu celebrated by traditional Sanamahi Laningthou and Charak Pujah on April 14 celebrated by the believers...
Heraka: The Primordial Religion
The Zeliangrong people of North East have followed a profound indigenous religion known as the Heraka. Heraka literally means in Zemei pure and not impure. Hera means smaller deities; Ka means fence, or give up, to obstruct, to avoid. So all prohibitions and sacrifices associated with the smaller gods...
Zeliangrong Romances With Tradition By ‘Drumming’ Up Young Adults
Image Credit: Indianezone
IMPHAL, Jan 12: In a throwback to the tradition of yore, the Zeliangrong community of Manipur has performed the rites of passage called Kong’“Poumei (drum dedication ceremony) as a precursor to accepting young residents of dormitory as adults in the society.
The ceremony...
Taboos In Manipur
Taboo is a forbidden activity, something that is not permitted, something which stands against social approval and is disallowed by norms of behavior. They are complete restrictions or prohibition in saying or doing something. It is concerned with social and cultural aspects of life. Manipur society...
Hill Valley Ties Via Shumang Lila
A scene from a Shumang Lila
Tribal Shumang Lila appeared for a short period in the history of Shumang Lila in Manipur. A short span after display in remote villages, the Shumang Lilas unfortunately, discontinued for there was none to encourage and support it.
IN THE year 2002, a few interested people...
Folklore Study And Its Importance
When I was first introduced to the transcendental world of folklore, I did not even discern what the folklore was. My vague idea about folklore was a simple fairy tale where the prince met the princess and the story ended happily ever after. If I had not joined the workshop on Advanced Intensive Workshop...
Funeral Rites Of The Kabuis
The Kabui, one of the indigenous tribes of Manipur is also known by the name of the Rongmei. In terms of race and language, the Kabui fall under the Tibeto-Burman family of the Mongolian race. The population of this tribe is found mainly in the Tamenglong District of Manipur. As a tribal population they...
Bringing Manipuri Dance To The World Stage
Manipuri Dance has been in existence since long before the beginning of any written history of the people of Manipur. In fact, Manipuri dance is the vehicle of pre-literate tribal memory for the Meiteis, who inhabit the valley of Manipur, a small state in the northeastern corner of India. Their oldest...
Traditional Religion Of The Meiteis
Vaishnavism is of comparatively recent origin in Manipur. This religion came to the land in a most unexpected manner from the east in 1470 AD. (Shakabda 1392) Thangwan Ningthouba king of Manipur, better known by his reign-name Kyamba, the conqueror of Kyang (1467-1508 AD) and his all Choupha Khekkhomba,...
