Vol. 8, Issue 6 (2019)

Author(s):
Jogesh Laishram, Mithra Dey and Rocky Thokchom

Abstract:
The present study was conducted in five villages (Nongmaikhong, Phoubakchao, Laphupat Tera, Karang and Ithing located in and around Loktak lake) selected purposively following purposive sampling technique. The study deals with the utilisation of bioresources in rituals and cultural life of the people living in the five villages and their conservation and conducted by interviewing 50 elderly persons (above 60 years of age) selected purposively by using pre-tested research schedule. In all 22 species of plant species and 7 species of animals were found to be conserved for 15 (for plants) and 10 (for animals) rituals or religious purposes in all the five villages by both Hindus and Muslims. Ceremonies of Meitei community like Luhongba, Shraddha, Govardhan puja etc. and ceremonies of Islam like Idd, Hakikat, Marriage ceremony, Qurbani etc. were some of the main rituals or religious ceremonies associated with the conservation of plants and animals. Encouraging documentation of the traditional ecological knowledge and revival of the traditional knowledge used by the local communities in conservation of plants and animals in a scientific way so as to conserve the surrounding environment and the Loktak lake for future generations is suggested.