Continuity And change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences
Senate, Diana L.
Teacher, Covenant English Higher Secondary School, Hmarkhawlien, Cachar, Assam
Abstract
The Hmar, an indigenous ethnic group predominantly inhabiting regions of Northeast India –particularly in Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Assam-possess a rich cultural heritage with deeply rooted customs and rituals. Among these, death rituals hold significant importance, reflecting both spirituals’ beliefs and communal values. In Hmar culture, death is not seen as a cessation of life, but rather a transition to another realm, often involving the belief in the continuation of the soul and its journey to the world of the dead. This perspective aligns with both traditional and Christian views. Traditionally guided by animistic cosmology, the Hmar conceptualized death as a passage to mithi huo the land of the dead, with the possibility of eventual ascent to pielral (paradise) for the valorous and honourable. For the Hmar elders, whose lives were shaped by agricultural labor and substinence, the vision of heaven was a place where physical toil ceased and abundance prevailed. It is imagined as a realm where one would find eternal rest and plentiful food-a simple yet profoundly meaningful continuation of earthly comforts. The nature and scale of a person’s funeral are not only influenced by the way a person lived their life but also by the manner of their death. In the wake of British colonization and the advent of Christianity in the early 20th century, the Hmar society experienced a profound transformation, especially in their approach to death and the afterlife. Hmar spiritual life was characterized by polytheism, featuring a pantheon of spirits and deities who were believed to dwell in nature and interact with the living world. While many overtly animistic practices have ceased, some traditional customs surrounding death and mourning have been adapted to fit within the Christian framework. By examining ritual practices, cosmological beliefs, and their transformation over time, this paper highlights both cultural resilience and religious adaptation.
Keywords– Hmar, Death, Rituals, Christianity, Northeast India, Animistic, Spirituality, Transformation.
Impact Statement
This study on “Continuity and Change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences” explores the transformation and continuity of death practices before and after the advent of Christianity among the Hmar community. It sheds light on how religious beliefs have reshaped cultural rituals surrounding death and the afterlife. By examining how traditional indigenous death rituals and beliefs about the afterlife have adapted or persisted alongside the spread of Christianity, this research contributes to the broader understanding of religious syncretism, cultural resilience, and identity formation in Northeast India. In the course of this research, several elders and experts were consulted to gather oral histories and lived experiences, providing invaluable perspective that deepen the cultural and historical context of the findings. The study fosters interfaith and intercultural dialogue by illustrating how ancient practices continue to influence contemporary beliefs about death. Importantly, it underscores the need for the Hmar community, to preserve their meaningful and traditional practices, ensuring that their cultural heritage continues to thrive alongside modern religious life.
About Author
Diana L. Sanate is an independent researcher with a strong interest in indigenous cultures, knowledge systems, and ritual practices among tribal communities in Northeast India. She completed her Master’s degree in English and Cultural Studies in 2024. Passionate about ethnic heritage, she aims to bring greater visibility to the rich cultural legacy of the Hmar people and share their stories with the wider world.
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