Traditions associated with funerals of Idu Mishimi Tribes

Domain:Social practices, rituals and festive events

State:

Description:

Idu Mishmis are one of the significant indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh domiciled in the districts of Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit and few pockets in the vicinity of East Siang and Upper Siang. The funeral traditions of Idu Mishimis are very unique in nature. Generally the funeral rituals are performed for 3 to 5 days and depend upon the nature of death. The Idu Mishimis believe that there is a continuation of life after death. It is believed that after death life is transported from the materialistic world to the divine world i.e., the land of souls which is locally known as muduasialoko. Igu, the shaman, plays an important role in the funeral rituals. He performs a number of rituals, dance and music, and offerings in the house of the dead continuously for days and nights together without sleep. The people of the household who are in mourning are also not allowed to leave the house without the permission of the Igu. After the ritual performances in the house of the dead, the Igu performs several rituals in broacha, the graveyard, and facilitates the transfer of the soul from the house of the dead (aatiyakong) to the land of the souls (asialoklo).