HOI POLLOI & MUNDANITY by Yenning

  Maram Khullen still keeps alive the ancestral values by singing folk song :: 2012:: Pix - Ibomcha Yumnam The Marams hold within their grasp a treasure trove of extraordinary tales. These narratives echo their origins, their odysseys, and their intricate rapport with the Meiteis. Although every storyteller imparts a unique twist, the essence of these sagas remains intricately interwoven in the tapestry of their oral traditions. In a time when magic flowed freely and wonder filled the air, the saga began. A chapter unfurled, painting a portrait of a powerful deity and creative whimsy, embodying Pumpu Pramha, the Almighty God, playful yet potent. Amid the vast expanse of his solitude, a craving for companionship stirred within. Before life could bloom, he sculpted realms for them to inhabit, shaping the universe – the heavens above and the earth below. Yet, the earth stood flat, surpassing the sky in size. In response, Sky requested Earth to fold into a sphere, fitting snugly toget...

Sacred Peepal Tree at Makhel© Time Travel Ltd Makhel, located in Senapati district, is an ancient village with a name that translates to “the sacred place of God”. For the Mao community, Makhel holds immense significance as it is believed to be the very origin of humankind and the ancestral homeland from which the Ahom, Meitei, and Naga tribes dispersed. In the rich tapestry of Mao folklore, captivating tales about the birth and subsequent separation of the ancestral brothers abound. These stories intricately connect the diverse indigenous tribes and shed light on the profound ties that bind them, akin to the unbroken connection of an umbilical cord. Ages ago, there was a woman named Dziili Mosiia, who lived in solitude under a peepal tree. One day, as a cluster of clouds covered her, she miraculously became pregnant and gave birth to three sons. As time went by, Mosiia fell seriously ill, and her sons took turns caring for her. Yet, when the eldest son, Ora (Spirit), cared for h...

  Mera Wayungba - In the month of Mera on November 17 2013 :: Pix - Ashok Ningthoujam Folklore plays a significant role in uncovering our origins by offering valuable insights into the beliefs, customs, and traditions of our ancestors. It provides a window into the collective memory of a community or culture, enabling us to comprehend their values, history, and worldview. Tangkhul folklore on the origin of the Meiteis holds significant insights into the historical connection between these two communities, as American folklorist Alan Dundes noted in “Interpreting Folklore” (1980). Dundes emphasized that folklore is not merely a collection of old stories and customs, but a dynamic process of oral communication that reflects the changing times in which people live. Tangkhul folklore, encompassing legends, myths, and proverbs, carry symbolic meanings and specific social functions, offering a deeper understanding of our origins and cultural heritage. In this edition of “Hoi Pollo...

We stayed at the IFAD Guest House in Chingjaroi Christian Village (CV) for a two-day heritage walk in October 2015. This cluster of three villages, Chingjaroi Khullen (mother village), Chingjaroi CV, and Chingjaroi Khunou, is in the Raphei (northern) region of Ukhrul district. We were drawn to its unique Tangkhul traditional house architecture and the blend of traditional and modern social structures, particularly in Chingjaroi Khullen, where the Chief of the sister villages reigns. The area also offers stunning attractions like Asezakasha Khra Waterfalls, Akarow tiger den, Chingjaroi Green Village of CV, and Japan Kafulokadeu, a hilltop used during World War II. Our main focus was the rock monuments exclusive to this Tangkhul village. From Khullen, one can enjoy picturesque views of distant Poumai villages like Pauma and Paomata. Legend says Chingjaroi was founded by Resu, who received revelations from Kazing Ngalei Kasa Akhava, the Creator of heaven and earth. In a dream, the Alm...