BRIEF NOTE ON THE DARLONG THARLAK KUT

The Darlong of Tripura belonged to one among the many tribes within the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group. The people had simple livelihood twined in the orature maintaining ecological balance with their love for surrounding environment. The common men and women believe in the existence of soul in every natural object. Henceforth, the tribe was a animism in the pre-Christian period. Nonetheless, much has change with the advent Christianity and the consequent acceptance of the faith. The common men and women takes pride in associating themselves with the common ways of life lived led from day to day. One such act is the development of harvest festivals. In fact, observation of harvest festival (Kût) celebrating the joyous spirit of oneness essential in seeking blessings is also a historical practice among the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group. Thus, Chavang Kut in Kuki, Gangte, Zou, Vaiphei, Tavang Kut Simte in, Phavang Kût in Paite, Sikpuiroui Kut in Hmar, Chavan Kumhrin in Anal and Maring, Chavawng Kut in Lamkang, Lamji Kut in Aimol, Chapchar Kut in Lushai and many more. In the Darlong, the festival is known as Tharlȃk Kût.

The celebration of Tharlak Kut is also rooted in one of the folktales namely ‘Thuitlingi nih Pangama’. Thuitlingi and Pangama were legendary lovers who failed to unite in their mortal world. As a consequence, the lover, Pangama visited (this journey defines the Darlong myth of 'travelogue of the dead souls') the immortal world called ‘Thikhua’ (the abode of dead). Having stayed there for a period of time, the lover bid farewell to his beloved. On the eve of his departure, Pangama asked his beloved, “When I entered your village, I saw you very thin and weak. What was the reason behind?” Ṭhuiṭlingi replied, “It is the result of my relatives’ reluctance to offer anything to eat at my grave”. Pangama, then promised to make offering every year for Ṭhuiṭlingi when he return to the mortal world. In the mortal world, Pangama kept his promise by making an offering every year. He also explained the reason behind his actions to his tribesmen and women who did the same from thence. The day was later observed as Tharlȃk Kût by the tribe. 

IMAGES FROM THARLAK KUT 2013




















IMAGES FROM THARLAK KUT 2021










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