Murung of Apatanis

Murung is a socio-religious festival of the Apatani community which is observed by a family when it is affected by some misfortune. Traditionally it is performed by a family under following circumstances:

• When a couple remains childless for years;
• A member of the family is mentally and physically challenged;
• Domestic animals remain deformed;
• Insects or reptiles enter house or granary;
• Mushroom grows in the hearth;
• Sickness of a member persists despite treatment;
• Members dream of banana growing in house or dreams of granary.

Preparation:

            Called Pahin Konin, egg-examination by a priest is the first step to performing of Muruing. It is followed by preparation of a special dish, known as Kaji, which is offered to the patient and relatives. If the patient recovers after it, Murung is performed; otherwise it is ignored.

            By the onset of winter relatives and neighbours collect firewood. Puja materials including leaves and canes and bamboo are collected a few days before beginning of main event. Mithuns and cows are tethered at house yard.

            The next step is   selection of sacrificial animals after examination of chicken liver by the priest one day before the festival. It is followed by preparation of Subu-sa (cane rope) on the eve of the festival. Firewood stocked and dried in fields is shifted to the house. Soon after, rice beer prepared by clan-members is brought to Lapang is served to guests. During the day relatives and neighbours visit the family on the day. The priest chants narratives and prays for success of the festival. He also performs omen to decide persons to sacrifice animals in the festival.

Main events of Murung:

            Early in the morning all animals are brought to Lapang where the priest chants prayer before sacrifice. Relatives attend the sacrificial ritual conducted at Lapang. Men decorate the animals with bamboo shaving materials and rice paste and rice beer. Assisted by a few helpers, chickens numbering same of mithuns are also sacrificed with chanting of narratives.

            On the second day relatives and neighbours contribute rice, cash, meat, millet among other items while the hosts entertain them with meat and drinks.

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