ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

A comparative analysis of Apokpa worship practices between the Meetei and Bishnupriya Manipuri communities.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the worship of Apokpa, a revered ancestral deity, within the Meetei and Bishnupriya Manipuri communities. Apokpa worship is central to both groups, rooted in their shared cultural past, yet it has evolved distinctly due to their unique historical, religious, and social influences. The study explores the rituals, symbolism, and cultural significance of Apokpa in both communities. For the Meetei, Apokpa Khurumba reflects indigenous religious practices intertwined with elements of Sanamahism and Hinduism, while for the Bishnupriya Manipuri, Apokpa worship incorporates Vaishnavism influences, contributing to community identity and cultural preservation. The research sheds light on how these practices not only maintain kinship bonds and reinforce social cohesion but also serve as mechanisms for cultural resilience. By analysing the similarities and differences in the worship of Apokpa, this study contributes to the understanding of religious syncretism and cultural continuity in the Manipuri ethnic groups.