SOME COMMON AGRICULTURAL CEREMONIES
AND RITES IN MANIPURI LIFE
Dr. M. Kirti Singh

   Phaoibi Khurbha (worship of corn deity), Kot Lai, Thaba (adoration of the granary spirit), Kurak Lamtaiba (worship of cattle spirit) and rain compelling ceremonies in which the Maibas (expert Physicians) follow magico-religious activities with mantras in elaborte manner during the regime of the Maharajas are associated with the beliefs and agricultural life of the people of Manipur. The ceremonies reveal that corn-deity is intimately in association with the legends of the Chakpas (scheduled Caste) Moirang (a powerful principality) and Maiteis (advanced community).

   The paper attempts to find out the nature of relation of tribal beliefs, Hindu influences and Maitai practices in the sphere of socio-cultural life of the Maiteis of Manipur.

   In spite of the many changes, most of them on various occasions still remain as compulsory rites among the people (in individual houses) in simple manners.

 
About the Author :-

Dr. M. KIRTI SINGH
M.A. (Philosophy), Ph.D (Philosophy & Culture), D. Litt,. (in Philosophy),
LL.B. Reader & Head of the Department of Philosophy

Publications :-

1) Religious Development in Manipur in the l8th & l9th centuries, Imphal, 1979
2) Aspects of Aurobindo's Thought, Imphal 1979.
3) Collected Essays in Philosophy & Religions, Part I, Imphal, 1966
A few books in Manipuri language.

Teaching experience : 27 years.

                                                           Address :-

Kongba Uchekon,
P.O. Imphal, 795 008 (Manipur)