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The Karbi Culture and Heritage

  • NOTHENGPI

     It literally stands for ear-wood and it is synonymous with earrings among Karbis. It has been prevalent since the pre-colonial era and in the earlier days, the earrings were made by carving woods and by making intricate designs on them and as per records, were manufactured by jewelers from karimganj, which were in high demand. Eventhough its almost a forgotten treasure now,  but its still popular among the elder generation, who wear it as mark of respect. The design of the Karbi Heritage museum in Taralangso is a replica of Nothengpi, owing to its socio-cultural significance.

    ADAM ASAR

    It is the traditional marriage ceremony of the Karbis and prayer is offered to Hemphu for the longevity and happiness of the coupleThere are various stages to complete the ceremony such as- (a) Nengpi-nengso-kachingki( conversation between boy’s mother and girl’s mother) (b) Piso-kehang(formal wife seeking ceremony) (c ) Kapatini(confirmation of the marriage) (d) Ajo-arni kepha( fixing of date) (e) Adam kangthur (solemnisation of marriage) (f) peso-riso kethon( returning of clothes to bride’s paternal home).

    CHOMKAN

    It is a funeral festival of the Karbis and is celebrated as per Karbi customs and rituals. There are three types of Chomkans and they vary according to complexity of rituals, financial considerations and a few others.

    As per belief, all souls upon death reach a place called Phu-phi Arong and reunite to be born again to their respective clan. But for this rebirth to happen, it requires an elaborate Chomkan festival , which involves the whole community.

    RONGKER KARKLI

    It is an important community religious festival of the Karbis, holding a specific soci-cultural-religious aspect. Here, the spirit deities are invoked for protection  of family, animals, plants and the overall community. It varies from place to place depending on the geographical conditions.

    KARBI RITUALS

    It is generally called “se-karkli” or “voice worship”. Household rituals like  Rong Arnam, Volok Asor are performed by duly invoking the respective deities . Here, a prominent feature is the earthen altar called as “Dovan” where offerings are being made and is usually made within the boundaries of the household.

    CHOJUN

    It is an important ritual which is an essential part of the Karbi customs. It consists of invoking the household spirit with guardian spirits  for the welfare and prosperity of all. An important part of the ritual is consuming a specific rice beer called “ Horpo”, where a specific sieve called “sih” is used for the preparation. All the relatives and kin members  of the family  are invited to the occasion and their blessings are seeked. A specific basket called “horhak” is also brought to the occasion.

    HOR

    It is a very specific rice beer and forms an integral part of the Karbi culture and tradition. On various occasions like birth, marriage, death and other rituals, there is a tradition of drinking “hor” in one form or the other. Community members contribute one bottle of “hor” each for specific occasions and festivals like Rongker, Chojun etc.Traditinally, the preparation of “hor” has been bestowed upon womenfolk and the art is learnt at an early stage until she becomes an expert and the knowledge is passed on from one generation to another.

    MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

    There are various types of instruments such as wind, percussion etc. Mori is one of the most popular wind instrument which as per scholars is the only type of single reed instrument known in northeast India. Along with it, Pongsi(Karbi version of the bamboo flute), Mori Tongpo, Krongchui, Torolit is popular.Among percussion instruments,Cheng or drum forms an important part of Karbi life and a particular type of wood called Phang is used. “Chengpi”- a double headed drum is also popular.Along with it, “Chamburukso a chengso” and “Chengburup” is popular.

    KARBI CHIEF KAJIR

    Kajir was a karbi chief who was taken to the heaven and was endowed with blessings and gifts. She returned back with a rhinoceros (kindu) and paddy seeds. The area which she ruled was called “kajir-a -rong”(literally meaning “village of Kajir”) and is the present day Kaziranga region. There have been monolithic evidence to point out that  the area was once dominated by the Karbi tribe.