From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Oct 30: Continuing a long-standing tradition, the Raid Marngar in Ri-Bhoi district, under the jurisdiction of Hima Mylliem, has issued a ban on the public bringing Kwai im (fresh betel nuts) and Sohphlang (Flemingia vestita) into its territory ahead of the paddy harvest season.
Speaking with The Shillong Times, Pa’iem Richard Syiem, the Syiem of Raid Marngar, emphasised that this is not a new measure but rather an age-old custom passed down through generations.
The practice, he informed, is observed annually before the paddy harvesting and threshing season.
When asked about the origins of this tradition, Syiem explained that, according to ancestral teachings, introducing these items is believed to invite unfavourable conditions, such as storms and harsh weather, which could potentially harm the paddy, rice and other crops within the Raid’s jurisdiction.
Elaborating further, Sensi Lyngdoh, the Lyngdoh of Raid Nonglyngdoh, noted that bringing fresh betel nuts and flemingia vestita is seen as offensive to ‘Lei Lukhmi’, the goddess associated with paddy and rice.
Violating this tradition, Lyngdoh informed, is considered sacrilegious, and offenders caught violating the ban are summoned to the Dorbar (traditional council) of village elders (Longsan Mansan) for a hearing and judgment.
It may be mentioned this prohibition is not exclusive to Raid Marngar or Raid Nonglyngdoh but is widely practised across various Raids throughout Ri-Bhoi, highlighting the significance of preserving this cultural heritage in the region.