Religious element and significance in the tribal traditional festivals of northeast India: The Kabui, Kharam and Maram Tribes of Manipur

The tribal people living in Northeast India celebrate the festivals based on the stages of agriculture operation according to lunar calendar. In the festival, ritual offering is made to the paddy deity for fertility of the soil as well as men. The victim of the sacrifice is cooked and consumed with celebration. In this paper a humble attempt is made to throw light on some of the important ritual festivals of Kharam, Kabui and Maram tribes living in the state of Manipur. It also examines the related rites and rituals, dance and music of the festivals; role of the village chief or functionary of agricultural rites in the observation of festivals. To the tribals of Manipur, the festivals are safety valve and also act as an integrating force for the community.