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Lai Phattaba

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Not to be confused with Umang Lai or Poubi Lai.
Lai Khutsangbi, a type of Lai Phataba being

Lai Phattaba (ꯂꯥꯏ ꯐꯠꯇꯕ), or Lai Phataba (ꯂꯥꯏ ꯐꯇꯕ),[1] refers to an evil spirit in the Meitei language.[2][3][4]

In different beliefs

Even in Meitei terminology, in monotheistic religions, there is usually only one evil spirit, similar to the single holy spirit. This spirit, often called the devil, represents darkness and opposition to light, symbolizing the contrast between good and evil.[3]

In polytheistic religions, there are many evil spirits, just as there are many benevolent spirits.[3]

In Meitei polytheism

Meitei polytheism recognizes multiple evil spirits, which can be grouped according to their nature and domain:[3]

  • Dark and mischievous spirits
    • Laimu – a spirit of black or dark nature[3][5]
    • Sharoi (alias Saroi) – a mischievous or evil-following spirit of divinity[6][3][7]
    • Sharoi-ngaroi (alias saroi ngaroi, literally meaning, "beast and fish creatures"[8]) – a form of Sharoi[3]
    • Laimu-Teenmu – similar to Laimu[3]
  • Demonic and haunting spirits
    • Lai-hingcha – a demonic spirit[3]
    • Tamna-Lai – a haunting evil spirit[3]
  • Presiding spirits of land and water
    • Lammaba – the presiding evil spirit of land[3][9]
    • Tumaba – the presiding evil spirit of water or submerged land[3][9][10]
Lai Khutsangbi, a type of Lai Phataba, coming to human settlement to cause bad things

Rituals and offerings

When offering food to the Lai Phataba spirit, devotees always face east. This is considered the correct direction for prayer. It is believed to roam around the surroundings of every family. During the offering, the head of the family places the food on a plantain leaf set on a bronze plate. He also carries a small traditional knife, called Heijrang in Meitei language.[1][4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Folk-lore. India: Indian Publications, 1980. p. 143.
  2. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at Chicago. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary". dsal.uchicago.edu (in Manipuri and English). USA: University of Chicago. p. 167. Retrieved 2025-11-26. ... lāi phattaba /lai pʰət.tə.bə/ n. a fiend, evil spirit. Morph: lāi phat( [God; good‑Negative‑Nom]....
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 Brahmacharimayum Kulachandra Sharma (2007). Dictionary of Manipuri Medical Terms. India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India. p. 206.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Folk-lore (India).. India: Indian Publications, 1979. p. 143
  5. ↑ Kirti Singh, Moirangthem. Religion and Culture of Manipur. India: Manas Publications, 1988. p. 87.
  6. ↑ Khanna, Rakesh; Bhairav, J. Furcifer (2023-09-12). Ghosts, Monsters and Demons of India. Watkins Media Limited. p. 387. ISBN 978-1-78678-830-6.
  7. ↑ Cultural Practices and Identity Politics in Manipur. India: Centre for Alternative Discourse, Manipur, 2015. p. 33.
  8. ↑ Parratt, Saroj Nalini. The Religion of Manipur: Beliefs, Rituals, and Historical Development. India: Firma KLM, 1980. p. 52–55
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Joykumar Singh, N.. Ethnic Relations Among the People of North-East India. India: Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University and Akansha Publishing House, 2006. p. 48.
  10. ↑ Parratt, Saroj Nalini. The Religion of Manipur: Beliefs, Rituals, and Historical Development. India: Firma KLM, 1980. p. 51.

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