Birth Rituals of Munda Tribe As soon as a pregnancy is discovered among the Mundas, they undertake in making preparations for offering sacrifices to their deity ‘Garasibonga’. The other birth rituals of the Munda Tribe are as follows; Marriage Rituals of Munda Tribe Marriage among the Mundas is normal with the exemption of marriage with members of the Santhal Tribe, Ho Tribe, Kharia Tribe and Oraon Tribe. Marriage is also forbidden between people belonging to the same cast. The marriage ceremony is initiated by reading of omens. A scout is sent to check for any inauspicious obstacles on the way before a groom’s father accompanied by relatives and friends sets out for the bride’s village. They begin their journey watching for omens from the house to the village boundary and then again the bride’s village boundary to her home. If results are satisfactory the two parties settle the marriage. On the way the procession halts at the first mango where the mother of the groom blesses her son. The feet of the guests are washed and rice beer is served. Goats are also sacrificed and the bride price is then settled. The final contract is made by the embrace of the Munda and the Pahans of the two villages. At the outskirts of the village, the relatives of the bride receive the procession with drumming and singing songs. Death Rituals of Munda Tribe The Mundas believe that after the death of a person, the spirit of the deceased moves about the remains of the body and only after observance of rites and rituals he finds its permanent shelter. The relatives of the dead man, on the 3rd or 5th day after the death, shave their hair and bathe to purify themselves. Saplings of Tiril tree are planted placing an earthen vessel. The spirit of the deceased is welcomed shouting his names and later prayers are offered and other rituals are carried out in his name. |