Tribal Studies: Search for the Common Thread of Unity

The micro data of different communities of India –its castes and tribes – if put together and viewed in macro frame-work often leads us to the threads of unity. The apparent diversity, the cultural plurality gives way to commonality of cultural elements, our cultural continuum. Our approach brings a lot of difference – the approach whether we want to emphasize the diversity or intend to search the basic materials of culture, the permutation and combination of which make the difference.

Nyoyin-Nyokum- A Nyishi Custom of Worshipping Nature

Before an attempt is made on the concept of Nyishi custom of worshipping nature through puja or festivals like Nyoyin-Nyokum; it is necessary to focus on the religious belief of the Nishing (Nyishi). The Nyishi, who dwell in nature, believe in numerous Uyus (deities). This belief centres on spirits or deities of nature. All the performances of customary rites of Nyishi more or less relate to natural objects in Siichii and Nyedo i.e. earth and sky.

Main Ceremonies of the Khasi

The latest VKIC Publication, The Main Ceremonies of the Khasi was released on the occasion of the inauguration of the NRL CONFERENCE HALL at the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture [VKIC], Guwahati, by Shri Dipak Chakravarty, Managing Director, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. Originally written in Khasi by KS Marbaniang, Sitimon Sawian and Wallamphang Roy, they have been translated into lucid English by the well known author of Shadow Men, Bijoya Sawian.