Hereka, Religion, TRC

Festivals, Rites, and Rituals of the Zeliangrong Community


The Zeliangrong people have a rich tapestry of festivals, rites, and rituals that reflect their deep spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage. These celebrations are central to their communal life, fostering social cohesion and preserving their unique identity.

Heraka Faith Festivals

  1. Amang Jaulubee (The Grand Feast): One of the most significant festivals, marked by grand feasting and communal celebrations.
  2. Hepumra: The New Year festival.
  3. Heleingi: The seed sowing festival.
  4. Nchangngi: The completion of seed sowing festival.
  5. Puakpatngi: The harvesting festival.
  6. Hegangi: The year-ending festival, performed 2-3 days before the full moon of the last month of the year.

In these festivals, offerings of crops and grains are made to the Almighty with prayers and devotion.

TRC Faith Festivals

The TRC faith community celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, combining religious rites with communal feasting to give thanks to the Almighty and to foster community spirit. Key festivals include:

  1. Napkadoi-Ngai: The seed sowing festival in April.
  2. Ginki Ngai: Worship of the goddess of food grain.
  3. Ngai Festival/Maleng Ngai: The ginger soup drinking festival.
  4. Pukpha Ngai: The pre-harvest festival.
  5. Tun Ngai: The rainy season festival.
  6. Ten Ngai: The bread tasting festival.
  7. Dongjao Ngai: The seeing of the granary festival.
  8. N Ngai: The greatest festival.
  9. Rih Ngai/Ring Ngai: The war victory festival.
  10. Nanu Ngai: The ear-piercing festival.

During these festivals, the TRC faith ensures the inclusion of all gods and goddesses from the ‘lower realm’ who are seldom honored in the Supreme God’s temple.

Sacrificial Rites and Rituals

Sacrificial rites, prayers, devotional songs, and dances are integral to TRC faith festivals. These practices include:

  1. Tinkao Ragwang Lamei: Worship of the Supreme God with sacrifices.
  2. Ragaijpou Jangmei: Worship with prayers only.
  3. Bukaomei: Calling of the soul.
  4. Lankaomei: Calling of wealth.
  5. Napkaomei: Calling of the goddess of paddy.
  6. Raren Loumei: Worship of all TRC gods.
  7. Pumkanmei Tingkao Ragwang: Specific worship rituals for the Supreme God.

While the TRC faith maintains sacrificial rites, there is a conscious effort to reduce them without disrupting the harmony with the lower-ranking gods.

Heraka New Year and Ritual Purity

On the Heraka New Year, devotees perform prayers at the holy shrine (Kelumki) at Bisnu Cave of Bhuban Hills. The rituals involve fetching holy water, maintaining purity, and fasting by the priest (Tingkupau). Women in their menstrual cycle and those who engaged in sexual activities before the holy days are forbidden from entering the shrine.

Examination of Omens

The Zeliangrong people traditionally perform sacrificial rites to seek blessings and understand the will of the gods. The spleen of pigs, the legs and intestines of cocks, and other omens are examined to interpret divine messages. These practices continue during the establishment of new villages and other significant communal activities.

Seasonal Festivals and Community Welfare

Historically, Zeliangrong festivals sought blessings for agricultural prosperity. In modern times, these festivals also emphasize the preservation of cultural practices and community welfare. The festivals ensure the protection of indigenous religious practices and social solidarity.

During the Gaan Ngai festival, traditional values are maintained, with religious gatherings and dream interpretation by priests. This six-day festival includes offerings to Tingkao Ragwang and other deities, ensuring the continuation of ancestral traditions and communal harmony.

Conclusion

The festivals, rites, and rituals of the Zeliangrong community are more than just religious observances; they are vital cultural practices that reinforce social bonds and preserve the community’s unique identity. These celebrations are a testament to the resilience and continuity of the Zeliangrong people’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

adapted from Khwairakpam Premjit Singh, ZELIANGRONG RELIGION IN NORTH EAST INDIA: DYNAMICS OF AMALGAMATED COLLECTIVE IDENTITY OF THREE COGNATE TRIBES

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