What is Lha Soishi?
- Etymologically, the term ‘Lha Soishi’ is derived from ‘Lha’, meaning ‘God’ and ‘Soishi’, meaning ‘Offering’. Hence, the ritual literally signifies an offering made to divine forces.
- Traditionally, ‘Lha Soishi’ is regarded as one of the oldest surviving Bon rituals, rooted in pre-Buddhist belief systems.
- Primarily, the ritual is performed to appease the presiding deities – Phu Aata Nambrog and Aama Jomu. These deities are believed to have migrated from Bhutan, along with several subordinate deities such as Da Mandung Ser Jongpa, Nechen Aama Kora, Aata Khowti, Phu Shorpu, Karinkora, Namshu Mangma, Kelha Yulha, and Frami Tsangmi Bonpo.
Why was Lha Soishi Ritual in the News?
The Lha Soishi, a three-day triennial Bon ritual, has recently begun at Namshu village in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. The ritual reflects the continuity of ancient indigenous spiritual traditions practiced in the Himalayan region.
What are the Purposes and Ritual Practices of Lha Soishi?
- Lha Soishi is a triennial ritual, celebrated once every three years, to appease all deities believed to inhabit the surrounding hills and mountains of the village.
- During the festival, villagers make large ceremonial offerings of Food, Fruits and Rice beer.
- These offerings are made with prayers seeking peace and prosperity, good health, protection from natural calamities and a bountiful agricultural harvest.
Deity Worship and Belief System of Lha Soishi:
- Central to the ritual is the worship of the mountain God and Goddess known as ‘Phu’. They are revered as protectors of the village from misfortune and environmental threats.
- Thus, the ritual reflects a sacred relationship between humans, nature, and divine forces, particularly mountains.
What are its Significances?
- Culturally, Lha Soishi represents the preservation of ancient Bon religious traditions and reinforces the collective identity of the local community.
- Ecologically, the ritual underscores a nature-centric worldview, where mountains and landscapes are revered as sacred, promoting respect for the natural environment.
- Socially, the festival strengthens community cohesion through collective participation and shared spiritual values.
Conclusion:
Lha Soishi is a living cultural tradition that reflects the deep spiritual, ecological, and social bonds between indigenous communities and their natural surroundings in Arunachal Pradesh.
Prelims Practice MCQ:
Q. With reference to the Lha Soishi ritual, consider the following statements:
- It is a triennial ritual rooted in the pre-Buddhist Bon belief system.
- The ritual primarily involves offerings made to mountain deities regarded as protectors of the village.
- Food, fruits, and rice beer are ceremonially offered to seek protection from natural calamities and agricultural prosperity.
- The ritual is performed annually to mark the beginning of the agricultural season.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
Mains Practice Question:
“Indigenous rituals often serve as repositories of ecological wisdom and social cohesion.” In this context, examine the Lha Soishi ritual and analyse its role in preserving pre-Buddhist Bon traditions and promoting a harmonious relationship between community, nature, and belief systems in Arunachal Pradesh.
Source: Arunachal Times
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FAQ:
Lha Soishi is an ancient Bon ritual performed once every three years in parts of Arunachal Pradesh. It involves offerings to mountain deities to seek peace, prosperity, protection from natural calamities, and community well-being. The ritual is important for preserving indigenous spiritual traditions and nature-based belief systems.
The Lha Soishi ritual was in the news because the three-day triennial ceremony recently began at Namshu village in West Kameng district. It highlighted the continued practice of pre-Buddhist Bon traditions and the cultural heritage of Himalayan indigenous communities.
