Religious Belief

Beliefs and Rituals Related to Birth

The Rabha tribes hold the birth of a child in high esteem, viewing it as a blessing from their deities and ancestors. The event is accompanied by various rituals aimed at protecting the newborn from evil spirits and ensuring good health. One prominent ritual is the "Soklungba," where a priest, or "Deuri," performs a purification ceremony to cleanse the mother and child. Offerings are made to the family's deity, and special herbs are used for the mother's bath to ward off malevolent forces. The community participates in singing traditional songs, believed to invoke the blessings of their ancestors and gods for the child's well-being and future prosperity.

Beliefs and Rituals Related to Marriage

Marriage among the Rabha tribes is a significant social institution, marked by elaborate rituals that reflect their communal and spiritual life. The "Aptani" ceremony is central to Rabha weddings, involving the exchange of gifts and dowry, which symbolize the bond between the two families. The "Bor Biyan" ritual includes the worship of the earth goddess, invoking her blessings for fertility and prosperity. The wedding day sees the "Ladani" procession, where the bride is escorted to the groom's house amidst singing, dancing, and the playing of traditional instruments. The ceremony is concluded with the "Sok-Dhup" ritual, a sacred fire ceremony conducted by the village priest, signifying the couple's entry into a new life together under the guidance of their deities.

Beliefs and Rituals Related to Death and Disposal

Death in Rabha society is regarded with profound respect, accompanied by rituals aimed at ensuring the peaceful transition of the soul to the afterlife. The "Rikrang" ritual is performed immediately after death, where the body is bathed and adorned with new clothes. A "Maju" (priest) conducts the "Bisahari" ceremony, invoking the spirits to guide the deceased's soul.

The community gathers for a feast, symbolizing the sharing of grief and the continuity of life. Cremation is the preferred method of disposal, and the ashes are often immersed in a river, believed to carry the soul to its ancestral abode. The "Dai-Mai" ceremony, held after a few days, is a purification rite for the bereaved family, ensuring their reintegration into normal life and seeking the ancestors' blessings for protection and guidance. These rituals underscore the Rabha's belief in the interconnectedness of life, death, and the spiritual realm, highlighting their deep respect for tradition and community solidarity