Heraka followers perform rituals at Zeilad lake
Source: Chronicle News Service
Tamenglong, March 16 2022:
Zeliangrong Heraka followers on Wednesday performed rituals as a part of the Zeliangrong Heraka Pilgrimage Ceremony held at Zeilad Lake, Zeiladjang village under Tousem Sub Division of Tamenglong district.
The programme was conducted jointly by Rani Gaidinliu Inspiration Home Management Committee, Hangrum and Longkao Heraka.
Pilgrims from various places of Assam and Manipur attended the religious programme.
Heraka (Puipu Poupei Chapriak) is an indigenous religion of Zeliangrong community.
During the ceremony, the Heraka pilgrims walked to the shore of Zeilad Lake and made offerings and prayed early in the morning.
The pilgrims also sang prayer songs.
The ritual event was led by elder (Tingku) of Heraka and it concluded with a prayer by a priest.
The pilgrims numbering oyer 150 also visited Barak Waterfall (Ahu Khouduang), which is located within the forest of Tamenglong, after trekking for over 2 hours from Zeilad Lake to Barak Waterfall.
Barak Waterfall is also one of the historic places of Zeliangrong community.
To conclude the ceremony, a formal programme was conducted at the bank of Zeilad Lake.
Chairman of Zeiladjang village, Mathew Gonmei and social workers Dikham Gonmei and Abel Panme also attended the programme.
Mathew Gon mei donated a piece of land measuring 100 squar e feet at Zeiladjang village to Zeliangrong Heraka Association for construction of a public utility hall.
Dikham Gonmei and Mathew Gonmei also spoke during the event and encouraged the gathering to uphold the Zeliangrong cul -ture and tradition by encouraging one another.