Significance of Panti Neimei

Dr Budha Kamei *

"God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life." According to Zeliangrong traditions and myths, Tingkao Ragwang, the Almighty God willed to create the universe, god, men and nature. Didimpu and Didimpui created the sun, the moon, the stars, the water, the wind, fire, the earth etc. They were the two primal god and goddess created by Tingkao Ragwang for the same purpose.

After creating the earth, Tingkao Ragwang bore the thought of creating human beings who could always remember Him; who could rule the world in place of Him and who could make offerings to Him. Two additional deities named Dampapu and Dampapui were created to create human beings. The two deities took a long time in creating the human beings. However, the created man and woman were lifeless and could not move their limbs.

Ultimately, Tingkao Ragwang gave soul and life only then they became alive and human lives. Soul and life were given by Tingkao Ragwang to men. So, the Zeliangrong people worship Him.

The Zeliangrong inhabitants of North East follow a profound indigenous religion. This profound religious tradition is preserved and practiced through oral traditions by the ancient Zeliangrong community through the ages. This religion is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the people. It had no name and no founder.

But, it has been historically evolved through the ages by law givers, religious diviners and prophets. It had no common religious authority as it was managed by the Pei, village council as the religious authority. It was nameless before, yet now known as the Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak in short TRC.

It was named after Tingkao Ragwang, the Supreme God worshipped by the people since time immemorial. The religion is now regulated and managed by a Supreme Religious Authority called the Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom (TRCP) which has two important organs: the Executive Council and the Ecclesiastical Council.

Following the footsteps of Haipou Jadonang and Haipei Rani Gaidinlu, they constructed Kalum Kai, House of Worship for prayer cum religious congregation on every full moon day and every Sunday. Preservation of cultural, social, religious identity and solidarity of the Zeliangrong through their worships and prayers, rites, rituals and ceremonies, service to mankind, festivals and attain the ultimate goal of the souls, i. e to go to Tingkao Kaidai, the abode of Tingkao Ragwang is the main philosophy of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak.

The TRC people of Northeast observe Panti Neimei at the Tingkao Ragwang Kalum Kai, Chingmeirong, Imphal in the month of November every year. Panti Neimei means mass prayer of longevity of life; (Panti means longevity of life and Neimei, prayer).

The observation of Panti Neimei started from the year 2006 as revealed by God through the dream of priest and priestess (Mhai Mhu) of Zeliangrong that the male devotees of TRC died untimely due to not following the teachings of Tingkao Ragwang properly, thereby Tingkao Ragwang out of anger has made their life span short. Therefore, the devotees of TRC observe Panti Neimei strictly for longevity of life of the male devotees of TRC every year.

Every individual on this earth wishes to have longevity of life. But, this is not happened to everyone as man doesn't consider for his health. For longevity of life, one depends upon his good health and for this he has to follow some health tips, regular exercise, balanced diet, no drink or drug etc. Besides, he has to follow dos and dons of the society and teachings of God not to commit sin.

Panti Neimei serves in two ways: it conveys a message of mental peace for good health to all. Secondly, it provides a mass prayer at Tingkao Ragwang Kalum Kai once in a year. In the present scenario of our society, mental peace is very much important for healthy life and this may be achieved if one offers regular prayer and surrenders all his/her apprehensions to God.

So, Panti Neimei function is relevance. However, only prayer is not enough, because one needs to do good work/contribute something for the society. Service to mankind is service to God. In short, God will bless them who help others. Panti Neimei gives an opportunity for congregation at the Holy place, Kalum Kai, Chingmeirong, Imphal.

It also gives a chance to meet friends, dear and near ones who are living in different parts of Northeast; this brings them closer and also tightens the bond of love among the TRC people. The devotees with pure mind and body pray to the Almighty God Tingkao Ragwang for good health and longevity of life. Render your service to mankind, surrender all your anxieties to Tingkao Ragwang, and pray for longevity of life is the main philosophy of Panti Neimei.

On the day of Panti Neimei, all the devotees after bath wear neat and clean prayer dresses; women wear Taramdui Pheisoi as lower garment and Banphei Bangmei as shawl; men use Pheingao muffler. Before entering the Kalum Kai, they are sanctified by sprinkling of water with Ten Mhaimit, a kind of thatching grass. Universally, water is used as purifying agent. They enter the House of worship after performing the Kaikham Hanmei Luh, door opening song.

Shouting of Hoi, singing of devotional songs, recital of hymns are the important forms of prayer of Panti Neimei function, and all are conducted in systematic way to achieve the goal of the particular day. In other words, the prayers of the day are carried out in such manner that can give satisfaction to the participants.

For instance, all the devotees with folded hands towards the Boudaan (symbol) of TRC and sing devotional songs like Panti Neimei Luh, Hoineimei Luh etc. After the observance of Panti Neimei, the TRC people are quite relaxed and free from anxiety as they are blessed.

The participants have lunch together at the courtyard of Kalum Kai for unity and healthy Life. The female devotees take the offerings of the day such as some rice, fruits, flowers and water as Prasad for their family members. Thus, Panti Neimei has social and religious significance.