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Khampti
The
Khamptis occupying the eastern part of the state, are
Buddhist by religion.
They have their own script which is derived from the Tai language. The
society is
divided into classes, signifying
distinct status in the social hierarchy. The chiefs naturally
occupy the highest position followed by the priest who wield considerable
influence over all ranks. In the past the slaves constitutes the lowest rank.
The Kamptis profess the
Hinayana form of Buddhism but they do
not abstain from meat. Two great celebrations are held in commemoration of the
birth and death of Gautham Buddha for which they take out religious procession
with the idol of the Buddha.
Singpho
The Singphos are Buddhist and
are followers of Buddhism. They
celebrate Songken, a Buddhist festival in the month of April. On the other
hand, they have not given up their shamanistic beliefs.
A number
of spirits are considered as malevolent and responsible for causing
miseries to human being and therefore such spirits (Nats) are worshipped on a
number of occasions such as Ningsenat, Multung-Dingna, Cit hungnat, Natkum, Mainat etc by sacrificing
bulls, pigs, cows and chickens.
Bangnis
Bangnis and Sulangs tribes inhabit the area adjacent to the
north eastern Kameng, extending to the lower Subansiri District. The Bangnis are
known as Nishi, Nishang, Nissi or Dalja in Subansiri District. Marriage
of the Bangni people takes place through the process of formal negotiation
between the parents of both the parties. After a stipulated bride price has been
paid, the girl comes to live with the husband. There are no formal ceremonies
which mark the consummation of marriage. The husband and the wife are both clad
in clothes and wear a number of ornaments. The marriage by employment and the
marriage by service is also prevalent in their society but is practiced in rare
cases.
The
tribe endogamy and clan exogamy
is the normal rule. Though polyandry
is not
known to them, polygamy is very common. Bangni society is patrilocal,
patriarchal and patrilineal.
The Sulangs are a scattered tribe. The sulang society is not based on the unit of
village community. They do not observe rituals and ceremonies on a
community basis.
Idus
The
Idus are the major tribe inhabiting the Dibang valley district and one
of the main three groups of Mishmis. The other two groups are the Taraon and
Kaman of Lohit District. The Idus are distinguished from the other groups by the peculiar way of dressing their hair. Both men and
women shave the hair at the sides of the head and keep it long at the back. The
hair in front is cut short and hang over the fore head. Because of this peculiar
method of cropping hair, they are called Chulikata(chuli means hair 'kata'
means to crop) by the people in the plains.
There
are four major tribe in Towang district, namely Monpas, sherdukpens, Akas and
Mijis. Monpas have the biggest population and accordingly they are occupying
the largest area of the district.
The
Monpas
The
Monpas are deeply religious minded. Buddhism is their main religion. Their
social and religious life centres round the Gompas (Buddhist temple). All
social and religious myths emanate from Gompas.
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