Indian States
( Konyak Festivals )
KONYAK-AOLING
MONYU- FIRST WEEK OF APRIL
The Konyaks, a martial Tribe in the east of Nagaland, observe
Aoling Monyu after completing the sowing of seeds in the new jhum
fields and to mark the end of the old year and entering the New
year beginning with the arrival of the Spring season and asking
the Almighty God for bountiful crops. Aoling Monyu is spread over
6 days.
Hoi
Lah Nyih or the first day, means preparation day of the Aoling Monyu.
They collect firewood and vegetables, make rice beer and weave new
clothes and ornaments. Each head of the family sacrifices a chicken
and by taking out the intestine, they predict the future of the
family.
The
second and the third days are called Yin Mok Pho Nyih and Mok Shek
Nyih ,which means searching and roping in the domestic animals to
be killed during the festivals. The young Konyak boys who have not
yet joined in the head hunting were trained during this period.
The
Lingnyu Nyih which falls on the the fourth day is the greatest day
of the Aoling Monyu. Both men and women wear beautiful ornaments
and spend the whole day in the community feast, amusement, dances
and merry making starting from the entrance of the village gate
(Penjong) the men folk start dancing, visting songs.
The dancing party holds the enemy's head in their hands and display
it in front of the other's Morung showing their victory over their
enemies.
The
fifth day is called Lingha Nyih. This day is oserved by honouring
each other. The old men of the village are honoured by the young
boys and their parents call their married sisters and daughters
respectively and offer them the best feast. On this day the families
of the dead visit the cemetery of their dead relatives and pay their
last homage to the departed souls.
The
sixth day or Lingshan Nyih which means the final day of the Aoling
Monyu. The day is spent in cleaning the village and houses which
dirtied during the Aoling days. |