Rih-Ngai: A war festival

Dr Budha Kamei *

Rih-Ngai is an important ritual festival of the Zeliangrong people of North East India. The term Rih-Ngai literally means war festival; (Rih=war, Ngai=Festival). It is also known as Ring-Ngai, meaning festival for the living that is to seek long life and strength from the Supreme Being, Tingkao Ragwang. (Khum-Ngai Lon Akhatni Kasoi Kadam published by Thalon Nam, Imphal, 2003, p.3).

Some Zeliangrong villages celebrate this festival in the name of Chaga-Ngai. It is celebrated for one day in the month of January or February in which male members of the village perform the festival and female members are mere spectators.

It consists of the rituals (Lumthengmei), for the purification of one's body, soul and mind, thereby making one self fortunate and for every challenges of life, say ready for war, hunting, fishing, cultivation etc. (Chamdin Then: Chamgbi, vol.-i, Imphal 1973, p.2; Chaoba Kamson: Ra Pari, Imphal, 2009, p.247).

ln the festival, the men and women sleep alone and also cook their food separately. In the early morning of the festival, an omen taking rite (Danjaomei) is performed by an elder of Pei who officiates as priest (Mhu) at the abode of village deity, Bambu or Shong not to happen any untoward incident during the festival. It is similar to the first day of Gaan-Ngai. There is no feasting at the dormitory.

In the afternoon, all male members who are armed with spear and dao walk in procession from one end of the village to the other end chanting Ho Ho in chorus. This is called Hoigammei.

After the Hoigammei procession, sports like long jump (Danchammei), stone throwing (Taophaimei), etc. are held at the village jumping ground (Danshanpung).

Just before the sports, at the village gate (Rang) they will perform the Chong-Kapmei, or shooting of or spearing of the human effigies made of the plantain tree. (Gangmumei Kamei: The History of the Zeliangrong Nagas From Makhel to Rani Gaidinlu, Spectrum Publications, Guwahati/Delhi, 2004, p.314).

In regard of this festival, R. Brown writes, "An effigy of a man made of plantain is hung on a tree, and at it they throw pointed bamboos or sticks. should the javelin strike it on the head, the thrower, it is said, will kill an enemy, but if it lodges in the belly, the thrower is to be blessed with plenty of good." (R. Brown, Statistical Account of Manipur, Mittal Publications, Delhi, 2001, p.28.)

In this festival, Kavouna, Ritaak Ganmei is also performed and the elderly men recite warrior talks, war hymns, etc. (G. Makunga, Introduction of the Rongmei Nagas, Imphal, 1994, p.1l6.).

In Ritaak Ganmei ritual, an elder of village Pei who acts as priest will throw some pieces of meat in the direction of the village gate with war hymns.

The boys of the male dormitory (Khangchu) will produce new fire by the wood or bamboo friction (Mhailapmei) and with this new fire they will cook their food for the festival. In the evening, every household of the village will perform an offering of a cock to the Supreme God for wellbeing and bountiful harvest in the year.

Holy wine is also offered to the Supreme God and village deity including the ancestors of the concerned family or lineage for safety, protection and prosperity in the days to come. This is called Joupan Keimei.

For all these reasons, Rih-Ngai festival is so important to these people.