Arranged Marriage In Limbu Tradition(Na-Aksingma Metkhim)
Na-Ak Na-Akpa (ᤏᤠᤰᤏᤠᤰᤐᤠ) | Magni (मग्नि) - The First Stage:
Watch our previous video for first stage of marriage:
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The Second Stage - Bringing of the Bride
During a traditional Limbu wedding, the groom’s party, including his father or uncle, a go-between called Ingmeba, and friends (Sangopla or Lokandey), go to the bride’s house to fetch her. The bride is accompanied by her group of 10-15 girls, known as Metkesama, including her father's sister (Nya) who acts as Pantumyanghangma and one of her sisters as Sisagoplama (Lokandi). They travel to the groom's house, greeted by Chyabrung, Thitongba, and Lamthan music, and stay in a tent overnight.
The next day, festivities begin with traditional dances (Kelang) performed by Ke dancers. When the bride and groom are ready, after rituals like Singok Kakma, they are taken to the groom's house. The bride and groom are blessed by the groom’s parents with Tika and Muing, and rituals involving firing a gun and placing copper pitchers with water and flowers are performed. The bride stands on a cloth praying for a successful marriage and is then welcomed into the groom's house with further blessings and celebrations.
The couple then makes a public appearance at the main assembly, receiving garlands and gifts from the gathered villagers. The event concludes with a feast, music, and dance, enveloping the atmosphere in joy and happiness.
The Third Stage - Metkam Thim
Metkam Thim is crucial in Limbu society, signifying a legitimate marriage. Without it, couples are considered like animals, and their children cannot hold important positions like Tumyanghang or Tumyanghangma. Metkam Thim must be done before the children’s own Metkam. It cannot be performed for pregnant women until six months after delivery.
Before starting, the Tumyanghang asks the bride for her consent. All materials, including a cock, hen, banana leaf, rice, flowers, vermillion powder, chandan, ginger, green bead necklace, rainwater, river water, and burning coal, must be ready by 7 PM.
During the ceremony, the bride sits to the left of the groom, facing northeast. The Lokondey and Lokondi hold an umbrella over them, while the Phedangma (priest) conducts the ritual.
The Phedangma covers the bride and groom with a shawl, and they sit cross-legged, holding hands. A cock and hen are sacrificed, and their blood is used to seek omens. The bride and groom are fed rice and water three times each, then stand up. The groom garlands the bride with a green bead necklace (Poteymala) and applies vermillion powder (Simrik) on her forehead, making promises of unity and happiness.
Finally, the Phedangma strikes flints to produce fire, chants the Mundhum, and hands over the groom’s Manghenayang to the bride, symbolizing their union. The Tumyanghang and other elders declare them husband and wife, followed by a celebratory firing of a gun and joyful music and dancing (Chyabrung, Nagara, Nowmatibaja).