The Sacred Cycles of Life: Rituals, Transitions, and Community in Poumai Society

The life of a Poumai, inhabitant in the hill ranges of Senapati district of Manipur, northeast India is marked by various ceremonies and rituals that govern key stages, from birth to death. These practices, rooted in cultural beliefs and traditions, centre around significant life transitions, including birth, adulthood, marriage, and death. The rituals and customs reflect the Poumai Nagas' worldview, integrating spiritual beliefs, social structures, and communal ties in shaping their life cycle practices. However, the traditional customs, practices and other related aspects of this tribe have not been explored systematically. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to bring into light the practices of unique life cycle of the Poumai Nagas during birth, marriage and death. It seeks to understand, document, and preserve these traditions, while offering a nuanced portrayal of their cultural and spiritual significance. Using an ethnographic approach, the study provides an in-depth examination of these life cycle stages and their impact on the Poumai community. The research also highlights evolving aspects of the Poumai’s cultural practices, revealing changes in folk habits and traditions over time, both in the past and present.