Death Rituals of the Halam Community: A Comprehensive Ethnographic Study of Mortuary Practices in Tripura
Volume 1, Issue 1 (June 2025)
Abstract
The Halam community of Tripura represents a unique indigenous group with intricate and deeply symbolic death rituals that reflect their complex cultural and spiritual worldview. This study examines the comprehensive mortuary practices of the Halam community, exploring the nuanced processes from the moment of death to final burial. Through ethnographic research, the article delves into the spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions of death rituals, highlighting the community's approach to managing death as a transformative social and spiritual experience. The research reveals a multi-layered ritual system that integrates familial mourning, community participation, and spiritual beliefs, demonstrating the profound significance of death ceremonies in maintaining social cohesion and cultural identity.
Keywords
Halam
culture
death
ritual