ELECTIONS '98
COMMENTARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ARCHIVES

Where wedding bells never ring...

They tie the nuptial knot at the dead of the night. Without the consent or knowledge of parents.

The parents only come to know that their daughter is married when she is seen carrying firewood to some other house early next morning. Then they can take it that the owner of the house is their son-in-law.

This type of marriage is in vogue among the Khiemnungans, a major Naga tribe in Tuensang district of Nagaland which borders Myanmar.

After the secret and silent marriage, the boy brings the girl to his house in the early hours of the morning. Only a few trusted friends would be in the know.

Later, a cock is killed and the couple dip their fingers in its blood to declare affection and loyalty to each other. This is followed by a grand feast.

The Khienmungans observe monogamy, but the partners are free to divorce and remarry. However, if the man divorces his wife without her consent, he may have to give up claim on half of his property.

UNI

Yeh Hai India

Tell us what you think of this report