The Rites Of Passage Of The Natives Of Northeast India: The Kharams Of Manipur

Abstract

The rites of passage are the rites and ceremonies that mark the transition of an individual from one stage to another. These processes consist of separation, transition and incorporation into the new environment. It covers birth, marriage and death. The article attempts to delve into the lifecycle ceremonies of the Kharam and Liangmei inhabitants in Manipur. In pregnancy and child birth, the Kharams take every precaution not to occur any unwanted incident to the mother and child. In naming of the child, rituals like Ratha Kakoi and Laamtol are performed for social recognition and protection of the child. In marriage, they follow clan exogamy and observe certain rituals like Asrke Ka-en and Tui Kahe. Aarke-ka-en is an omen observation performed by the Kathem (village priest) sacrificing a cock. Death is the final crisis in the lifecycle of an individual; and death rituals are meant to ensure for safe passage of the soul to the Kathikho (village of death). It is believed that the departed soul does not go to the Kathikho until the Kumbu Kathak (last mortuary rite) is performed after one or two years. And the soul of unnatural death is not permitted to live in the Kathikho. The Liangmeis also perform rites and rituals in birth, marriage and death for wellbeing, prosperity and safe journey of the soul to the land of death.