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L O H O N G
Bishnupriya Manipuri Marriage system
The institution of Marriage in Bishnupriya Manipuri society is based on the Hindu pattern and mostly Aryan and non-Aryan elements having certain traditional customs. Out of the eight kind of marriage as referred in the Monu Songhita only Brahma (Based upon Vedic Rites) and Kanya or Prajapatya are prevalent in the Society. The marriage takes place after the proposals made by the Parents or guardians of the would-be bride-groom. During the marriage ceremony, special kind of rules and customs are observed. These customs include Waroupath, Hijapath, Lohong, Koina Thilkarani,Tindinkar Chana, Pachor bhat,Phamlokpa etc.
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Lohong Pictorial
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The swayamvara, another kind of
marriage that was in vogue in the early period, is unknown to Manipur, but
there is the practice of
Gandharva (secret union) system . The secret marriage of Arjuna with
Chitrangoda, the princes of Manipur, suggests as the Gandharva style of marriage.
Marriage is restricted within this community.There is the restriction of
marriage among the Gutra's and Swapinda's. Fairly Child-marriage
was practised. But no more now and Widow re-marriage is very rare in the society.What
is good is that there is no dowry system at all in the modern Bishnupriya
Manipuri Soceity.
Arrangement( Lepkorani)
Marriages are performed in accordance with the customs. Before the marriage parents of the boy or
their recognized parsons go to meet parents of the girl. The horoscopes
are tallied and if both the parents agree then the next date for the meeting
is fixed. On the next meeting the consent is given by the girl's
parents.
Hijapoth
Finally the engagement is declared amongst
the friends and relatives, this is called 'Hijapoth'. Friends and
relatives from the boy's side then go to the girl's parents with food, fruits
and presents. The girl's parents also invite their friends and relatives.
The procession
A Bishnupriya Manipuri marriage party is of a great show
but little is wasted for giving meals. A marriage attended by a
procession of peoples, Band parties and Palki's , considered a status symbol.
The reception
The men dress in dhoti and
kurta with a shawl wrapped around and women in "Lahing" or "Chakshabi"es
and white chader.
The reception is very formal. At the entrance of the gate a Sambhasa welcomes
the marriage party. Later the groom is received according to traditional way
of reception by the bride side. The arrangement for sitting of the marriage
party is commonly made in the house very next to the bride's house.
The Bride and The Groom
The bridal dress is unique. It is obligatory for the bride to wear the Raslila
skirt. The groom's dress is white dhoti, kurta and turban.
The Marriage (Lohong)
The whole marriage is maintained and under the charge of the Brahmin. Before
the main part a Pala is performed and it continues till the end of the
marriage . Kirtana music is started when the bride and the bride make seven rounds
round the Groom. The bride follows the steps in rhythmic styles with the pala music. She has to perform the role of a gopi.
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Last
updated in May 22, 2001
Copyright � 2001 Ashim Kumar
Singha
All rights reserved
