Translated from Kokborok by Kamal Jamatia
The Tripura community has a culture of conducting various pujas. In this state, pujas such as Lampra, Twi, Ker, and Nakri are performed. Today, we will learn about the Nakri puja. In this world, many things are lost over time, including our culture, but many cultures remain intertwined with our lives. Similarly, the tradition of performing Nakri Puja for the Jamatia Hoda community in Tripura state still persists.
The village Chokdri, Kwchwng Jamatia, stated that Nakri puja is classified into three types: Burasa Nakri, Thunai Nakri, and Buni Nakri.
How is Nakri worship done?
Borasa Nakri deity is draped with a long water snail on bamboo. A garland with flowers is given. And cloth is worshipped with black and white thread.
The Thunai Nakri deity is seated on two bamboo poles between two brothers. The big Nakri is adorned with red and white threads. The top area is adorned with flowers, and the bottom area is adorned with three water snails. The small Nakri deity is adorned with only white thread. This is how the Jamatia community has been following this tradition since ancient times. The big Nakri is tied with red and white thread, and the small Nakri deity is worshipped with white thread.
How is Nakri installed?
In rural areas, this puja is conducted for the peace of the village residents and the harmony of their families. Flowers, bamboo, leaves from different plants, and yarn are placed on the ground for worship according to the Vedic rituals.
Many times, villagers believe that if the Nakri deity is disrespected or if the Nakri deity engages in any impure actions such as urinating or spitting, the deity will respond in some way. This belief is strongly held by the villagers.
During the change of village Chokdri, also Nakri is worshipped in the village. This is how the people of the Jamatia community continue their culture.
This article is created as a part of the Adivasi Awaaz project, with the support of Misereorand Prayog Samaj Sevi Sanstha.