The state of Arunachal Pradesh in north-eastern India, which is geographically closest to China’s Hubei province where the COVID-19 outbreak began, have seen its tribes reviving indigenous lockdown rituals as a measure to contain the spread of the pandemic. The different tribes, each with their unique traditions and characteristics, have adapted their cultural practices to respond to the global health crisis.
Galos Tribe’s Response to the Pandemic
The Galos tribe, one of the 26 major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh that dominate West Siang district, performed an indigenous ritual known as Arr-Rinam. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in the amendment to the Constitution (ST), Order, 1950, Part-XVIII, the Galo community is famous for the Mopin festival and the traditional Popir dance.
Arr-Rinam, which is essentially a community-wide lockdown, is imposed by consensus for 48 hours during disease outbreaks. Following the Ali-Ternam ritual meant to ward off epidemics, the Arr-Rinam was last conducted about four decades ago due to a water-borne disease outbreak. Interestingly, while the ritual has been frequently performed for livestock, especially for semi-wild mithuns prone to contagious diseases, this marks the first time in 30-40 years that it was executed for human safety.
At the end of the ritual, community leaders sealed five major entry points to the district under the guidance of a Nyibo or shaman.
Adi Tribe’s Protective Measures
Likewise, the Adi tribe, believed to have originated from southern China in the 16th century and now residing in East Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts of Arunachal Pradesh, performed its unique ritual known as the motor or pator system. This practice involves self-restriction and erecting barricades to prevent outsiders from entering or exiting several villages.
Famed for their skill in making cane and bamboo items, the Adi tribe believes that this ritual enables shamans with legendary powers to identify wild herbs that can combat epidemics. Their two major festivals are Solung, a harvest festival, and Aran, a hunting festival.
Nyishi Tribe’s Quarantine Practice
In districts such as Papum Pare and East Kameng, the Nyishi community, the single largest tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, observed a self-quarantine ritual called Arrue. Also known as Bangni, Nyishi tribes are traditional inhabitants of eastern Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.
Primarily dependent on slash-and-burn agriculture and hunting and fishing, Nyishi tribes live in longhouses shared by multiple families each having their separate fireplace. In addition to a patrilineal household system, they hold a strong belief in spirits associated with nature. However, there is no formal social organization or village government among them.
By reviving their lockdown traditions amid the ongoing pandemic, these tribes show how indigenous wisdom and culture can offer unique solutions to contemporary challenges.
