| Niamtre | |
|---|---|
| Type | Traditional religion |
| Language | Khasi |
Niamtre is the indigenous religion practiced by the Jaintia people of Meghalaya, India. This religion is known for its deep connection to nature, ancestral worship, and local traditions.
Beliefs
Niamtre is centered on a belief in a supreme deity, U Tre Kirod, considered to be the creator of all things.
Rituals and Practices
Central to Niamtre are rituals that honor ancestors and nature spirits. The Jaintia people perform seasonal ceremonies to ensure a harmonious balance between humans and nature. These rituals are often conducted at sacred groves, known locally as 'Law Kyntang,' which are regarded as holy sites.
Festivals
One of the major festivals celebrated by Niamtre followers is the Behdienkhlam, a festival intended to drive away diseases and invoke a prosperous harvest season. In the festival, the deities U Mukhai, Mulong, Mooralong and Musniang are worshipping for good harvest.
Another notable festival is Chad Sukra which marks the beginning of the sowing season.
Connection with Nartiang Temple
Followers of Niamtre have a longstanding connection with the Nartiang Durga Temple, located in the Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Although primarily dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, the temple is also significant to Niamtre practitioners, who historically worshipped at the site. The Jaintia kings, who were followers of Niamtre, established the temple in the 17th century, blending local beliefs with Hindu practices. This shared space illustrates the syncretism between Niamtre and Hinduism, where both religious traditions are practiced in a harmonious manner.
During festivals like Behdienkhlam, Niamtre practitioners sometimes make offerings at the Nartiang Temple, believing that their prayers reach a shared divine presence. The stone monoliths around Nartiang, which represent ancestral spirits, are also respected by both Hindu and Niamtre followers, symbolizing the unity between ancestral reverence and divine worship.
During the Durga Puja festival, the Durga idol is not used in the Nartiang temple. Instead a trunk of a banana tree is used, this is done because Niamtre followers do not worship idols.
The soil and water from the Syntu Ksiar River in Jowai and Myntang River from Nartiang village was also collected for the Bhumi Pooja of Ayodhya Ram temple.
Demographics
The followers of Niamtre are primarily found among the Jaintia people of Meghalaya, particularly in the Jaintia Hills region. As per the 2011 census, there are 81,000 people in Meghalaya following the Niamtre religion. Their population has been declining.
Recognition
Niamtre is not recognised as a minority religion by the state or central government. The niamtre followers have been demanding it.
See also
References
- "Behdieñkhlam: Fulfilling the Covenant | The Shillong Times". theshillongtimes.com. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- "Behdienkhlam 2022: Date, history, significance and all you need to know about Meghalaya's harvest festival". Hindustan Times. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
- "ABVP conducts exposure trip for outside students to Chad Sukra | Highland Post". 2024-04-09. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- Bhattacherjee, Niloy (2020-10-28). "Amid Dampened Spirits Due to Covid-19, Tribal Hindus in Meghalaya Celebrate Durga Puja Sans the Gourd". News18. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- Das, Manosh (2020-07-28). "Meghalaya: Soil, water from Jaintia Hills for Ram temple 'bhumi pujan'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- "Religion Data of Census 2011: XXX ST Meghalaya". Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- Rashir, Princess Giri (2022-05-25). "Meghalaya: HYC wants Centre to notify Khasi indigenous faith as minority". EastMojo. Retrieved 2024-11-03.