Afternoon Session

In the afternoon Session, Dr. Ng. Ekashini presented a paper on ‘Life Habits of the Maibi’. In her presentation, Dr. Ekashini defined a Maibi as a woman who is directly conversant with the divine beings. The activities of the Meitei Maibi is somewhat similar to Shamanism of the Russian origin which is usually used by American ethnographers in reference to men or women who, through the acquisition of supernatural powers, are believed to be able to either cure or cause diseases. The Meiteis believed Maibis as persons who could treat sick persons or who could do damage to them with supernatural practices. Dr. Ekashini explained the process or circumstance in which an ordinary woman becomes a Maibi. She also explained the different categories and the roles of the Maibis. She described the details of dress of the Maibi, the dress code and the taboo on food to be observed strictly by a Maibi.

An interesting aspect of the day long workshop was the sharing of personal experiences and knowledge on the Maibi tradition by five senior Maibis, namely, Nungshirei Maibi, Mani Maibi, Mangi Maibi, Tamu Maibi, Dhoni Maibi and Thoibi Maibi. They spoke on how they became Maibis, and cautioned on safeguarding the ancient tradition of the Maibis. They spoke on the lack of discipline and the un-uniformity of ritual dance by the young Maibis of the present times. They advised that this should be checked so as to retain the values and originality of the Maibi tradition.

Interacting during the discussion session, Jandho Devi, K.Hemchandra, Sonamani, Sadananda, Robindro, Chaoreikanba and Dr. Shilaramanai from among the participants put up interesting queries on the Maibi tradition, desiring to know more about the Maibi life and practices. Replying to a query from the participants, the resource person Shri L.Ashokumar said that there are four types of the Lai Haraoba, namely, (i) Kanglei Haraoba, (ii) Morang Haraoba, (iii) Phaiyeng Haraoba, and (iv) Sekmai Haraoba. Though the system of performing rituals are not similar, the philosophical concept of the Lai Haraoba is the same, he said. Dr. Shilaramani observed that it would be worthwhile to have further deliberations on the question of patriarchy and matriarchy in the Meitei society, as regards to the Maibi tradition. The art of the Maibi dance and practice should be incorporated in the academic curricula, she said.

Prof. S. Sanatombi of Manipur University moderated the afternoon session. In her concluding remarks, Prof. Sanatombi said that the purpose of the workshop was to establish the relationship of the Maibis to Manipuri culture. She suggested that it would be right to have a control on the young Maibis who tend to step out of the way of the tradition, and that rules are obeyed in pursuance of tradition. It would not be wrong to make alteration in the dance form to suit to modern needs whereas the philosophy of the dances should not be lost, she said. It would be a right step to bring the study of the Maibi tradition within the academic curricula, she concluded.

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