Banruhmei is one among the two feasts of merit prevalent among the
Zeliangrong tribe of
Manipur. The feast is given by one who is brave, a philanthropist, liberal and wealthy enough to feed the whole village. During the feast, songs and dances are performed according to set norms. The feast that lasts for one week is attended by all the villagers belonging to different age groups. The host’s wife performs a special dance with a rice beer cistern of gourd, pouring it out rhythmically.
Tarang is another feast that should be performed by those who have performed Banruhmei. The feasts are the most significant and unique because if a man performs both the Banruhmei and Tarang in his life time, it is believed that he has completed his life’s work.
