RITES OF PASSAGE OF THE IDU MISHMI TRIBE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

In a philosophical study to analyze rites of passage of the Idu Mishmi community from a philosophical point of view, it is necessary to throw light on their religious aspects which include most of the human aspirations. Religion begins when humans start to think of existence. Religion reflects the culture and philosophy of communities. It pervades most human thoughts. Thus, religious value adds a kind of quality to life. John H Hicks in his Philosophy of Religion says that there cannot be a single definition of 'religion' that can hold good or give the correct meaning-"religion does not have a single correct meaning". According to Radhakrishnan," the need for religion, for a system of thought, for devotion to a cause which will give our fragile and fugitive existence significance and value does not require much elaborate argument. It is an intrinsic element of human nature". According to him, religion is the cultivation of interior life. He holds that religion helps us to live from the depths of despair of spirit. Religion is such a discipline that helps us to struggle with evil and saves us from greed, hatred, etc. It helps us to change ourselves and therefore, is a part of our culture. With the progress of human civilization, many religions have degenerated and certain beliefs are outdated. Sometimes, it may be due to the level of acculturation. Due to assimilation to other influential cultures, most human cultures have lost their uniqueness. Keeping these problems in mind, we philosophically study the Idu Mishmi traditional religion and throw light on its uniqueness. We have found that the Idu Mishmi's traditional religion deals with a set of beliefs and ritualistic practices based on the idea of sacredness that enlightens the inner sense of man. This research provided comprehensive accounts of the life and culture of the Idu Mishmi tribe which helps to understand their worldview.