Lakher Tribes belong to the Kuki tribal community and are also found in several north-eastern regions of India like Mizoram, Assam, etc. They are scattered in the Lushai Hills of Mizoram. The name "Lakher" is given by the Mizos. The religious orientation of this tribal community bears the traces of the uniqueness of the whole of the Lakher tribal community.
Origin of Lakher Tribe
The origin of the Lakher tribes too can be backed up by very interesting story. The common belief is that the Lakher tribes have sprung up from some place of the north of the Chin Hills. The Lakher refer to them as "Mara" because they speak in "Mara Chin", a language belonging to the Sino-Tibetan Phylum.
Society of Lakher Tribe
The Lakher tribal community is divided into 6 groups that include the Hawthai, Tlongsai, Zuchnanag, Heima, Sabeu and Lialia. Just like many other tribal communities, these Lakher tribes also hold the institution of marriage in high esteem. The Lakher tribal community does not follow the norms of endogamy or exogamy. Monogamous marriage is in vogue. A bride price must be rewarded before the wedding ritual take place.
Occupation of Lakher Tribe
As far as the occupations are concerned, these Lakher tribes has been mentioned, they follow the practices of hunting and also fishing to a great extent. Other occupations include food gathering of various activities like rice, flowers, trees and several varieties of bamboos. Jhum cultivation is one of the important activities that these Lakher tribes used to undertake in order to sustain their livelihood. Trading and Bartering also are incorporated in the whole of the economy of the Lakher tribal community.
Religion of Lakher Tribe
Lakher Tribe recognize "God Khazangpina" to have created the whole of the "cosmos", the one who reins the fortune of all living creatures on Earth. They also presume that mountain, forest and ponds have got a plethora of vicious and benevolent spirits. They are called "Leurahripas". It is also thought that each and every person of this Lakher tribal community has an adorable guardian deity. The name of the deity is called "zang" from whom all the Lakher tribal community seeks blessings and protection.
Sacrifice is also part and parcel of the religious life of this Lakher tribal community. At the time of sacrificial ceremony, the Lakher tribe seeks blessings for the welfare of his entire family.
Festivals of Lakher Tribe
The major Lakher festivals are "Pazusata", a feast that marks the end of the year and "Pakhupila", the "knee dance" which is occasioned by an excellent crop yield.