TODAY -

Napkaodai : A festival of Zeliangrongs

By Dr Budha Kamei *



Napkaodai is one of the important ritual festivals of the Zeliangrong people of North East India. Napkao literally means the calling of the paddy (Nap=paddy, Kao=to call,). It is also known as seed sowing festival. It is celebrated for one day in the month of February-March. It is a festival of worship of Tingkao Ragwang for successful cultivation and plentiful harvest. (Chamdin Then: Changbi, vol-1, Imphal, 1973, p.3.)

In this festival, a big pig is killed invoking to the supreme God, Tingkao Ragwang for bountiful crop of the year. This ritual is performed at the residence of Napmupou (Napmu Kaibang) who is the in-charge of agricultural rites of the village. (Gangmumei Kamei: The History of Zeliangrong Nagas from Makhel to Rani Gaidinlu, Spectrum Publications, Guwahati/Delhi, 2004, p.310.).

The spleen of the pig is carefully observed in search of good sign. This is locally recognised as Gaukpai Jaomei (Gauk=pig, Pai-spleen, Jaomei=to observe). This is followed by oblation of holy wine to the Supreme God and Ditingmei (God of Earth) including the village deity and ancestors of the village for well being and prosperity.

Then, the pig is roasted and cut into pieces including the liver (Kathin) and distributed to every household of the village for ritual offering called Nap-chanmei. (TC Hoson: The Naga Tribes of Manipur, '96, p.172.) Each family also performs Napkao ceremony in which a fowl is offered to the supreme God for abundant harvest in the year. (Gangmumei Kamei: opcit). Another important ritual of the festival is called Napphun Keimei which means seed sowing (Naphun=paddy seed, Keimei=to sow).

For this ritual, a piece of land is dug out at the paddy field (Laupuk) of Napmupou and some paddy seeds are sown therein with relevant hymns. It is carried out by Napmupei, wife of Napmupou. After rain, if the seeds sprout well it is calculated a rich harvest in the year otherwise a poor harvest. (Personal interview with Moirangchao Goldaimei (78), Napmupou, a residence of Langthabal Khoupum, Imphal west on 26th March 2010.)

In the afternoon, the village elders will walk in procession from one end of the village to the other end singing seed sowing songs for successful cultivation and rich crop.

This is known as Lauphun Lu Shonmei in local dialect. It will start from Napmukaibang. At the end of the March, they will return at the same place and will sing Katu. At the same time some elders will sing Majalu (song of the paddy) inside the house. (Ibid.)

In the evening of the particular day, each household mother performs Napchanmei ceremony in which some pieces of cooked rice (taken out from the first part of the pot before it is served to anybody else) and cooked liver of the sacrificed pig (Guak-kathin) mixed with salt are placed on the top of three stones of the hearth for bountiful harvest.

It is believed that the Goddess of wealth locally known as Champei resides on the hearth stone. After this festival, the villagers are allowed to sow seeds at their respective paddy field or jhumland.

Thus, Napkaodai is an important ritual festival celebrated by these people.


* Dr Budha Kamei wrote this article for The Sangai Express . This article was webcasted on April 26, 2010.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Khongjom Day - April 23 #1 : Gallery
  • Thang Ta finds new energy amid peace
  • Tawang: Geostrategic importance for India
  • Thadou appeal for community understanding
  • Census 2001 & delimitation in Manipur
  • Condemns Pahalgam Terror- Calls for Action
  • Failing to read & control situation
  • Visible efforts essential for public trust
  • MK Binodini Devi's short story 'Tune'
  • Prof Moirangthem Marjit chairs SETSM, Hanoi
  • Will the two Asian giants always be in Rivalry?
  • Rebellion surfaces in rebel group NSCN-IM
  • Child Labour :: Poem
  • Pharmaceutical Waste: Threat to public health
  • Call for delimitation, NRC : Check illegal
  • Death knell for noble healthcare schemes
  • 175th Anniv- Maharaj Narasingh #2 : Gallery
  • World Earth Day : Gallery
  • Understand Suicide & Mental Health Support
  • Manipur champion @ Natl School Games
  • World Earth Day celebrated at MTU
  • The Earth Day 2025: Our power, our planet
  • How long will PR continue ?
  • Eviction drive need of the hour
  • Tamnalai : World Theater Day #1: Gallery
  • Chumthang Makhong : Play Synopsis
  • The demands of village volunteers
  • Missing you :: Poem
  • AI offers hope for beekeepers battling pest
  • Rural women, climate shock: Beijing report
  • From March 8, 2025 to April 22, 2025
  • Boosting morale of job seekers
  • Radio E-pao: 5 new songs added ...
  • The Power of Confident Communication
  • 2nd State Level Soccer Futsal Championship
  • April 21: National Public Relations Day
  • The resurrection of Jesus & its impact
  • Bhalla saab solution kithe ?
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • JNIMS turned into a dumping site
  • Sub-par work as centre vows US-level roads
  • Cheiraoba by Manipuri in Korea : Gallery
  • Kallakchei, Hungchor, Gainilung : eMing
  • Sri Lanka "Ayubowan" lasting impression
  • GoI must prepare to handle post-Muivah
  • Vice President felicitated Mughavi Tuccu
  • The Power of Poppy - 77 :: Poem
  • Rabies outbreak in Manipur
  • Athoubashinggi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Pangolin & fight against Climate Change
  • Condemn violent assault against Konsakhul
  • Spring's symphony in my farmhouse :: Poem
  • National Conference on Elderly at RGU
  • The corruption & materialism of Judas
  • Manipur under PR for over 2 months
  • Bid to form government amid public scrutiny
  • 175th Anniv- Maharaj Narasingh #1 : Gallery
  • AI & technology in Manipur's agriculture
  • 4 Manipur players in Indian Women's Hockey
  • Gender justice & health equity are linked but ...
  • Digital marketing: Oxygen of modern business
  • Spring fruits that boost collagen in your body
  • Pot holed roads & others: Surviving Manipur
  • Frustration over centre failure to resolve crisis
  • Pichakari @Govindajee Temple #2 : Gallery
  • Poshan Pakhwada @ MU : Gallery
  • Startup Surge Manipur: Startup Venture Fund
  • My messy room :: Poem
  • Why WAQF Act, 2025 is unconstitutional
  • Emerging politics at play
  • National Fire Service Week
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #2 : Gallery
  • Cheiraoba in South Korea
  • Festival of Maram Achouba Khoushaba
  • The Hidden Strength in Falling Short
  • World Health Day 2025 & our Environment
  • Career after marriage: Flight or confusion?
  • Ban on SUP has come into force
  • Preying on abandoned houses
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Climate Change : Spring revival in Ukhrul
  • Merger Agreement: Meaningless paper ?
  • Yaingang in sunscreens
  • Will all children be born free of HIV by 2030 ?
  • Athoubashinggi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Day 4 : Yaoshang Sports #1 : Gallery
  • Narendra Ningomba - 'Iboyaima Award 2025'
  • Naga leaders Isak Sumi & Tikhak expound
  • Parrotisation in post-colonial intellectualism
  • Call me Burma :: Poem
  • Claim the crown if you have 30 !
  • Marching towards the 2 year mark
  • Train service vow amid fear over migrants
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @Chinga : Gallery
  • Why words matter in Manipur
  • Appeal for a Way Forward in Manipur
  • Birth Anniv of BR Ambedkar at MU
  • Final Call : Phase-2 of MFA 2024-25
  • The Power of Poppy - 76 :: Poem
  • Astronauts as a Career Choice
  • 16th Annual Art Exhibition #1: Gallery
  • Classic FA's Inspirational Journey in RFDL
  • Shifting weather patterns driving dengue cases
  • Early Childhood Caries: Public health concern
  • Lord Ramacandra's glorious examples
  • Media, women, & sensationalism
  • Cocking a snook at Delhi meet
  • Lobbying for preferred place of posting
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • Privileges & Safeguards for STs of Manipur
  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Ode to Peace :: Poem
  • Entries for 17th Manipur State Film Awards
  • Makeup tips to illuminate your look this spring
  • AI-based drones to revolutionise agriculture
  • Of shabby & pot holed roads: Defining Imphal
  • Mizoram feeling heat of sheltering refugees
  • The last ember glows : Will we let it burn ?
  • Business Idea Competition @ Manipur Univ
  • 1/2 of women cant make decision on health
  • 2nd State Level Soccer Futsal Championship
  • The life of Mahavir Bhagwan
  • 'Yummy Talent Fest' at Shillong
  • Another ban on single use plastic
  • Reasons for dissent against AFSPA
  • Mei Loukhatpa @Laipubam : Gallery
  • RK Bidur : Honouring a legacy
  • Appreciates peace dialogue at Delhi
  • Sigiriya : Sri Lanka's top tourist attraction
  • Mami Numit & Foundation Day SN Chand
  • Study Tour to Sikkim & Darjeeling
  • Mum on pre-conditions at Delhi
  • Tension over land disputes amid ethnic feud
  • Indigenous People's Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Jugeshwar Kshetrimayum: Martial Art Champ
  • Delimitation based on Census 2001 - II
  • Defending Our Faith, Our Lands, Our Rights
  • Tariffs: Time for Manipur to Rethink Its Future
  • Is deliverance always proportional to faith ?
  • 3rd AGM of Madhurupa Cancer Society
  • Phamba Challadi Hippa Challi
  • BJP on the back foot
  • Yaoshang Halankar #1 : Gallery
  • Condemns heinous incident at Konsakhul
  • Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Concluded
  • World Health Day 2025
  • Living in Zone-V: The vulnerability
  • Solidarity with Myanmar Earthquake Victims
  • Career in sports can be rewarding
  • After Delhi meet of April 5, what next ?
  • Multiple rounds of tripartite talks inevitable
  • Pot Lannaba : Mera Houchongba #2 : Gallery
  • Delimitation : Why NRC must precede
  • Manipur tourism - insights from Sri Lanka
  • Mathematics as most useful & easiest subject
  • 10 Habits That Will Make You Unstoppable
  • The Power of Poppy - 75 :: Poem
  • Freedom of authorship Vs editorial policy
  • 3-language study model that aligns with NEP
  • Observance of World Aquatic Animal Day
  • World Autism Awareness Day 2025
  • Upliftment of Langmei Hr Secondary School
  • Setting pre-conditions for Delhi talk
  • Cong leaders note menace of drugs, influx
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #3 : Gallery
  • CAU produces hygienic Hawaijar maker
  • Delimitation based on Census 2001 #1
  • Is long HIV treatment good as daily pills ?
  • Sunburn : EDM festival at Shillong
  • Boost your skin with spring fruits
  • 23 months on and Delhi still lost !
  • Growing pitch for NRC
  • Thabal Chongba reclaims its cultural soul
  • Caregiver burden of raising an Autistic child
  • Supreme Court Judges visit : Gallery
  • Manipur: Champion 21st Natl Mountain Biking
  • Solution to water crisis
  • The Eternal I
  • Setting pre-conditions for talks
  • AFSPA expanded in 'peaceful' valley
  • Id-ul-Fitr @ Yairipok, Kshetrigao : Gallery
  • NRC before Delimitation in Manipur
  • Zeilad Lake : A common heritage
  • Right to safe abortion cannot be dislocated
  • World Theater Day
  • The shackles of ideas in digital India
  • The stand against delimitation
  • Myanmar earthquakes & vulnerable Northeast
  • Shortcomings - Delimitation in Manipur
  • "Tulsi Nonglik" at CAU, Lamphelpat
  • The Power of Preparation
  • Catherine Soyamphi: Turn waste into wealth
  • 'Common Platform' and 'Common Draft'
  • The Wounded Mercenary :: Poem
  • Mohan and Modi in Nagpur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • 27th PANE Foundation Day
  • MoU with Nittur IAS Academy
  • Sleep State Impasse : A mass digital disorder
  • TIM to attend Hun Thadou Cultural Fest
  • First-ever ABH-incompatible Kidney transplant
  • Yaoshang Sports @ Kwakeithel #2 : Gallery
  • April Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Tamnalai :: Play Synopsis
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba- Meitei New Year Day: Book
  • Rise of AI: Story of future, dreams & nightmare
  • Funding crisis into opportunity to end TB
  • The Power of Poppy - 74 :: Poem
  • Saroi Khangba @ Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Women's Rights in Manipur
  • A review of In Xanadu: A Quest
  • Open Letter to Shri Amit Shah
  • Strategy for resource mobilization
  • Haircare tips to bloom in spring
  • Over a month since PR came into force
  • Near consensus on NRC update
  • Dr Aheibam Koireng: A prolific academician
  • Abolish Institution of Hereditary Chieftainship
  • Seminar on Career Choice at Kanglatongbi
  • TCI condemns Kuki diktats
  • Diktat to cancel Hun-Thadou fest
  • Objection To "Hun" Celebration
  • How to choose right career after XII class ?
  • Details of drug smuggling coming to light
  • Robust anti-drug units must to nail kingpins
  • Rare grasshoppers, crickets recorded in Zeilad
  • The Laiphadibi :: Poem
  • Policy proposal for ending ethnic conflicts
  • Entrepreneurship with mushroom cultivation
  • Condemns illegal diktat by Kuki SoO groups
  • A woman - Does she need fixing ?
  • Understanding Ponzi, digital banking fraud
  • Step down nudge to political appointees
  • Rivers turning into dumping zone
  • The Power of Forgiveness & Leadership
  • Yaoshang Sports @ Kwakeithel #1 : Gallery
  • Non-violence for defeating Kuki militants
  • World Water Day @ MU : Gallery
  • 14th AMWJU Annual Sports Meet #2 : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta for emotional balance
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #2 : Gallery
  • Day 5: Yaoshang Sports : Gallery
  • National Bamboo Festival : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #2 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Loukhatpa #4 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Loukhatpa @Kangla : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba @ Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • 1st AMAND Football Cup @ Pune : Gallery
  • The Untold Meaning of MEETEI and MEITEI
  • In Memory of Aheibam Koireng
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #1: Gallery
  • Moirangthem Marjit chairs CCCIS, Hong Kong
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet