BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF PRE-NATAL AND POST NATAL RITUALS OF THE MEITEIS IN MANIPUR

Rituals are a series of actions that are performed during rites as a part of a religious ceremony. Religion and life cycle rituals are the core elements of culture. The Meiteis perform many life cycle rituals. It is the event or ceremony that marks the important stages of an individuals life. There are birth rituals, marriage rituals, and death rituals. This paper discusses birth rituals among the Meitei Hindus in Manipur. Being focused on the concept of Epanthaba and Swasti Pujah, the present paper describes in two terms as Pre-Natal and Post-Natal rituals. Pre-natal rituals are performed to decrease risk during pregnancy for both the baby and mother. Post-natal rituals are performed for the well-being of both mother and newborn baby after childbirth. The Meiteis believe that performing these rituals would help the baby to be healthy, intelligent, and longevity by the blessing of God.