THE MYTH OF PARA MWTAI AND THE RITUALS OF PARA MWTAI FESTIVAL: A STUDY OF CULTURES OF THE TRIPURI TRIBE COMMUNITY OF TRIPURA

Abstract

Myths have been existing in every nation of the world since the antiquity. They are the reflection of one‘s own perception regarding the world. The primary function of a myth is to generate a truth which perpetuates from one generation to another in the primordial values of their cultures. This paper deals with the myth of the Para Mwtai of the Tripuri tribe community of Tripura and the rituals behind this Para Mwtai festival. The myth of Para Mwtai unfolds a narrative of the origination of the God ?Para‘ and how the veneration of the God ?Para‘ begun to be celebrated among people of the said community. The rituals of this festival are very unique. During this religious festival, a total of fourteen (14) Gods and Goddesses are worshipped over two days and in three parts; in the evening of the first day, at noon of the second day and at the evening of the same day. Animal sacrifices, drinking wine, the bamboo decorations, ritualistic dances among devotees etc. are some patterns of rituals of the great festival. The myth and the rituals of the festival mirror the belief system and the ways of life of the Tripuri tribe community.