Mlokom

Mlokom is a festival, which is also known as Mlokom Yulo and is principally feted by the members of the Banganis tribe. The twin months that host this magnanimous event are March and April. But according to the calendar of the Banganis these months are known as Leehar and Lakhang.

Generally, Mlokom in Arunachal Pradesh is feted for a period of five days. But on a few exceptional occasions the tenure of this propitious event is extended to seven days. Mlokom in Arunachal Pradesh is marked by a bizarre event during which the liver extracted from the carcass of a fowl and the yolk retrieved from an egg are precisely scrutinized by the high priest who is referred as ‘Nibu’.

The destination that is chosen to host Mlokom at Arunachal Pradesh is duly known as Mlkom Yulo Nyengeng. On the day prior to the commencement of this blessed event, the locals make it a point to collect sufficient proportions of rice beer, silk fabrics, rice making powder and eggs. Wild beasts like mithun, pigs, fowl, goats and cows are bought to consummate this holy event. In actual practice they are subjected to cruel slaughter.

Mlokom of Arunachal Pradesh commences with an offering of rice beer and a white cock, which are principally aimed towards the divinities referred to as Doni-Yulo and Kamio-Yulo. Another significant wing of this event is regarded as Mlokom-Arina during which the villagers strictly restrict themselves from establishing any sort of interaction with the outsiders. Almost all the inhabitants of the villages participate in this.

Last Updated on 03 January 2011