Laonii Festival , seed sowing festival of the Poumai tribe at Phuba Khuman village of Senapati District ; As seen on 22nd July, 2019
Despite influence of western culture and the ever changing development, some of the indigenous tribes of the state are still preserving sacred festivals and ceremonies.
Laonii Festival, seed sowing festival of the Poumai tribe is one of the biggest Festival of the Phuba Khuman village of Senapati District.
Phuba Khuman is located about 150 kilometres from Imphal under the jurisdiction of Senapati District. The village is resided by around 150 households.
The sacred festival is celebrated on completion of paddy plantation and it is celebrated for 6 days in last week of July. The forefathers of the village celebrated the festival for 12 days long time ago but due to the change of time, it was reduced to 6 days.
As part of the festival, villagers cut down a tree from nearby forest, inserts a leaf and pork meat on the top of the tree and then it was installed at the center of the village. Various religious rites and rituals were performed during the festival. It is believed that through this religious rites and rituals their sins are forgiven and God will protect them from all kinds of diseases.
Photo Credit :: Lamdamba Oinam