Religion of Mishmi Tribe People belonging to the Mishmi tribe of Anjaw district are highly spiritual. They are mainly animist and their characters reflect both benevolence and maliciousness. Jabmalu or Matai is considered to be the supreme spiritual being of this tribe. Next position is assigned to Ringya or Amik and is often addressed along with Jabmalu. The name Ringya is given by Tawrahs and Amik by Kamans. Tawrahs and Kamans are the sub categories of Mishmi tribe. According to the beliefs of Mishmi tribe, Jabmalu is regarded as the Supreme Creator who controls the human affairs whereas Ringya or Amik is the Sun Goddess and is considered to be the Goddess of Truth and Justice. In times of seeking the truth, the name of this Goddess is constantly chanted. The next rank is assigned to several spiritual beings including Thechaya or lumbok, Duyuya or Suto, Kesha Kanang or Khinim Drang, Buru or Buruya, Hutung or Dappa and many other spirits who are remembered during different occasions. Administration of Mishmi Tribe The traditional village council of this tribe is known as Kabeya to the Tawrahs and Pharai to the Kamans. Gaonbura are the Government representatives of the villages. Mishmis are basically a small clan and in the proceedings of village council, affected parties and neutral members also participate. Generally the decision of the council is followed by all the parties. It is a common belief that the innocent would remain unaffected by any harsh treatment and thus in case of serious allegations people pour molten iron or boiling water on the alleged person to test his innocence. This act is called Pasai by the Tawrahs and Mashai by the Kamans. During such events, the decision arrived is previously sanctioned socially. Art of Mishmi Tribe People of this tribe are excellent weavers and master the art of handicraft making. Beautiful jackets and colourful skirts adorned with impressive designs are made by the women of the tribe whereas men are involved in a variety of cane and bamboo crafts. People of Meyor Tribe Meyor is a small tribe constituting a small population that dwell in Kibithoo and Walong circles of the district. Meyors are also animists like the Mishmis but they have also adopted Mahayana Buddhism. The region inhabited by Meyors houses a few Gonpas which also includes the first Gonpa constructed 1960 at Kaho village that testify this fact. Meyor villages are about fifteen in number which are situated on either side of the Lohit River that flows through Anjaw district. Cultivation is the most common occupation of these people; however, lately many of them have also taken up Government jobs and business activities. People of this tribe are hard-working and peace loving and live in harmony with the people of Mishmi tribe. Festivals of Meyor Tribe Several festivals are celebrated by the Meyors among which Losar is the most prominent one. Other festivals include Sungkhu, Tso Tangpo and Tsotangpho Wangley. In the month of August-September, Sungkhu is celebrated which marks the harvest of new food grains. The first harvest is offered to God Yodak by the people. Tso Tangpo is observed in the month of April every year. It is a spring festival. |