Rituals of Munda Tribe reflect the age old tradition and culture of the Mundas that have been passed down through generations. From the birth to death, the life of a Munda Tribe is closely associated with different kinds of religious activities and sacred performances. The Munda Tribes are the residents of West Bengal and are also found in Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam.
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;
•Chhathi: The Chhathi ritual, observed after 3, 6 or 9 days after the birth of the child, is celebrated to disinfect from social uncleanness caused by the birth of a child. In the ceremony the hair of the child is shaved and later thrown in the pond. The guests and relatives invited shower blessings on the baby.
•Naming Ceremony: The day following the Chhathi is celebrated as the naming day of the child. During the ceremony rice grains are dropped in water during which names are pronounced. If the grains coincide then the name is selected as the child`s name and if it fails to match the process is continued.
•Sutam Tol: On the naming day or on the following day, a black thread is tied round the waist of the new born child to protect him from evil eye.
•Ear Boring Ceremony: Ear boring ceremony of the child takes place in any of the winter months of the first three years of the birth of the child. On this day the barbers invited besmear the lobule of the ear of the child with vermillion with the help of a silver or copper ear borer. It is flowed by sacrificing of a fowl or a goat and the guests showering blessings on the child.
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.
