Nabit Nu: Piercing of Ears |Inpui (Kabui) Naga

Image credit: blog.tutc.com

There are some customary practices that stay relevant even at the crossroads of modern culture and values. One such practice that is still accepted is nabitnu, a tradition inherited and cultivated until today by giving a Christian outlook and fervor. This practice finds its similarity in the Biblical account where children were brought before the altar to seek blessing from God through the priest. It needs to be mentioned here that nabitnu is done after christening and should not be confused with christening. It is a symbolic act of piercing the earlobe of all the newborn children both male and female in a year. 

But today male child does not necessarily pierce the ear as piercing and adorning of earrings or ornament is perceived to be a characteristic of a girl. The decision to pierce or not to pierce depends on the parent's concern and is not coerced. In the past nabitnu was conducted at the year-end after the harvest was done where elders were invited and given pig head or dog head for them to cook and feast together with locally brewed wine (zu) and other food items. The elders bless the babies, pray for their health, and long life, and seek favor from God. This is once in a once-in-a-year celebration and parents took great care not to miss such an auspicious day as elders blessing are revered. 

The elders (thampei) pierce the ears of the newborn with a thorn or needle whichever is available with the help of a broken piece of dried gourd. During these festivities, sticky rice (ta-ngaan) and ta-ngian an indigenous delicacies are cooked and served along with hot tea. Cakes made of sticky rice are also distributed and eaten. Here mothers and their in-laws play an active role. This is an age-old tradition of the Inpui Naga which is still practiced particularly at Haochong and the neighboring villages. Today nabitnu is conducted during Christmas (25th) morning adoration service where the local Pastor or church elder conducts the ceremony by reading out the names of all the children along with the parent's name in the presence of elders of the village present followed by blessing prayer albeit without the actual piercing of the ears.

This event celebrates the newness of life, giving thanks to God for a new generation to sustain society.

Nabitnu ceremony in progress led by Pastor Bungthoi Inka at Haochong 2015 (Image@isaac inkah)

Mass prayer for the newborn 2015 (image@isaac inkah)