FEATURE | Uniqueness of being a Mizo by C. Lalrinfela
FEATURE | By C. Lalrinfela (C. Fela) | Oct 19, 2019:
Passing a glance through the North-Eastern region lies a mystical hilly land with its mesmerising tales, lores and unexplored treasures awaited to be researched; flushed with green vegetation that is home to a variety of exotic flora and fauna, where the unique dance of Cheraw (Bamboo dance) captivates the minds of many; a state called 'Mizoram' also known as 'Land of Blue Mountain.'
In this peaceful land dwell a fun loving community called 'Mizos' who are deeply rooted in their culture, lending a helping hand to one another in good and bad days. Mizos are strongly bonded by massive unity. The unification is absolutely powerful when the situations encountered conflicts in terms of politics, society and cultural aspects.
We gather as one, defending and providing a shoulder to lean for each other. There is a common saying 'Mizo nih tinuamtu chu hmelhriat ni lo pawh, khawi hmunah pawh kan in tanpui tawnna zel hi a ni' meaning 'The beauty of being a Mizo is lending a helping hand to each other, even if we are not acquainted, at any place and time.'
In terms of celebrating life and death, we do not spare anyone and there is no discrimination regarding the family status. Matrimonial services are handled in a humble manner where there is no practice of dowry in all level.
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'Tlawmngaihna' is an act that enables the people to live in peace with one another, a humble act of self sacrifice or laying a life before others. The women are the shining exemplars, wearing the traditional Puan on worship services and formal events, a signification of social and cultural respect. In performance of the bamboo dance (Cheraw), it is a breath taking and mesmerising sight to see the women fully dressed in the beautiful traditional attire, as they professionally bounced between the tapped bamboos.
Language is another factor that defines the exceptional quality of being Mizo. The different districts and regions in Mizoram shared one common language where there is no communication barrier. Our social contentment of our language signifies that we are completely voluble and articulate with the linguistically manipulation of our own dialect.
Even in terms of exposure, we chose our own fellow tribe for attaining friendship where we can express ourselves fully in our dialect. Our social confinement to our own people is an image of how well preserved our language is. Thus, we take pride in the richness of our ethnic dialect.
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If one gets to experience the uniqueness of being a Mizo, the appreciation we have for one another, our societal norms of Tlawmngaihna and our pride in our identity exhibit the glitters of the uniqueness. After all, traditions and customs are an integral part of the people's lives every day.
ABOUT THE WRITER: C. Lalrinfelais is a Feature Writer and a student of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong. He is currently an intern with TNT- The Northeast Today. Travelling, photography, feature writing are some of his hobbies. He can be reached at crinfela@gmail.com
