HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 6: The ‘2nd Karbi AronbarimArmuChingrum Amei’, a gathering of indigenous faith practitioners of the Karbi community, will be held at the Karbi People’s Hall, Taralangso, on April 19, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to grace the occasion as the chief guest.
Addressing a press conference at the Chief Executive Member (CEM) Guest House in Taralangso on Sunday, the KAAC CEM Tuliran Ronghang said that the Karbis have a rich culture, language, and tradition. Since time immemorial, the Karbis have practiced their indigenous faith known as ‘aronbarim,’ which involves rituals including animal sacrifices.
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“This traditional practice has been passed down through generations. To propagate and preserve this age-old belief, the 2nd Karbi AronbarimArmuChingrum Amei is being organized on April 19. Through this event, we aim to showcase the richness of our indigenous faith to the outside world and encourage fellow Karbis to continue practicing it. We have invited Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the chief guest,” he added.
The CEM emphasised that the event is not intended to hurt the sentiments of other religions or to serve any political purpose.
“Keeping aside ideological differences, all believers of the indigenous faith are welcome to participate. We expect a gathering of nearly 2 lakh people from Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. Karbis living outside these districts — in Dima Hasao, Silchar, Sonitpur, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh — are also expected to attend,” he added.
The day will begin with ‘bongkrokarnamkepu’ — a ritual invoking deities by holding a bitter gourd — followed by the singing of the Karbi indigenous faith anthem. In the afternoon, the chief minister will address the gathering.
The CEM further informed that the KAAC has allotted 5,000 bighas of land at Langvoku, where ritual sites and other development initiatives related to the indigenous faith will be undertaken.
Explaining the significance of the faith, the CEM said, “It is believed that performing rituals and offering animal sacrifices helps cure illnesses and diseases. With this belief, Karbis continue to uphold their ancestral practices.”
He also extended an invitation to members of other religious communities and tribes to witness the mega event and understand how the Karbi indigenous faith is practiced.
Former MLA and chief adviser Dhoromsing Teron stressed the importance of continuing the practice of aronbarim to preserve and strengthen Karbi culture and traditions. “If aronbarim is lost, our culture and traditions will be lost. It must be preserved and practiced,” he said.
The press conference was also attended by MP Amarsing Tisso, MLA Darsing Ronghang — who is the president of the reception committee for the event — executive member of KAAC Lunsing Teron, and other dignitaries.
