The Garo Tribal Religion : Beliefs and Practices

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Nature of the Garo tribal religion. 3. Garo deities and their power and function. 4. The Garo priest (Kamal) and the chief (Nokma). 5. Religious ceremonies in connection with jhuming. 6. Religious ceremonies in connection with ailments. 7. Religious content in funeral ceremony. 8. Life after death. 9. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"The book deals with the origin and migration of the Garos consisting of different tribal groups settled in Garo hills, their ancient animistic religious beliefs and practices, numerous deities, which control their life and must be appeased with rituals, ceremonies and animal sacrifices to ensure welfare of the tribe. They believe in life after death and perform intricate funeral ceremonies. Though majority of them have converted to Christianity yet many old festivals and cultural practices are retained." (jacket)