A brief description on Phoi-be/veei:
Phoi-kung in Chiru, a bonfire tree, scientifically named sterculia colorata, has vibrant red or orange flowers, which bloom from the late spring to early summer. The etymology of this festival. So Phoi-be/veei means the festival that takes place when phoi-tree blooms around.
Phoibe is a festival, a time-honoured tradition of counting years, a cornerstone of culture, and serves not only as a celebration but also as a marker of time. It is especially related to agricultural landmarking and cultivation of the host. Rooted in tradition, festivals hold significant cultural, religious, and social importance. This festival often serves as a means of counting years, offering a cyclical reminder of the passage of time and the continuity of human existence.
This festival is mainly observed by marking land boundaries for agricultural purposes. The festival is hosted by descendingly from the eldest male who is married first in the village batch-wise by year.
The village prepared a special shed called “barap” for those who have already hosted the phoibe, and has a boundary within which only the “tangva” the village authority helper is allowed to enter and serve the elders inside the premises. The elders inside the barap will have a meeting to discuss whose turn to host the next Phoi-be/veei will be.
The host prepared a grand feast for all those who came to help, from each household a male member is mandatory to attend this festival, but as for women, all those who are invited and household members are allowed to come for this said festival.
“Roicho”, is a cooked meat(one piece) wrapped in sohari leaf(nathei in Chiru), which is distributed to every individual who comes for the phoibe to serve as mementoes of the occasion.
There is a palanquin which is specially prepared for the eldest male, who has already hosted the festival before, so he is carried on the palanquin to the village.
Festivals are deeply ingrained in the fabric of societies, reflecting cultural values, beliefs, and practices. They serve as occasions for communities to come together, reaffirming bonds and identities. Whether commemorating historical events, religious observances, or seasonal changes, festivals provide a tangible connection to the past while shaping the present and future.
Central to many festivals and ceremonies that symbolize various aspects of life, from harvests to religious narratives. These rituals often include acts of feasting, prayer, and processions, all serving to reinforce communal ties and mark the passage of time. Through these rites, participants engage in collective memory-making, ensuring the continuity of traditions across generations.
One of the most prominent examples of festivals used for counting years is the celebration of the new year. Across cultures, the transition from one year to the next is marked by elaborate festivities, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the passage of time.
Festivals serve as more than just joyous occasions- they are fundamental to the human experience, providing a framework for marking time, fostering community cohesion, and preserving cultural identity. Through rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations, festivals transcend individual lives, connecting us to our ancestors and future generations. As we gather to celebrate, reflect, and count the years, we affirm our shared humanity and the enduring power of tradition.
©vdthanglorlen2024