Dr. Visakhonü Hibo, Kohima I am from the Angami tribe. My paternal grandfather, Holn, was the Phichü-u of Viswema village for 10 plus years. He had no social, political or economic status. Neither he nor anybody had those cravings or awareness even. Gender, age and sanity determined who the Phichü-u should be. As the handler for the indigeneous religion Krüna, the phases of the moon and the life cycle of the paddy governed his announcements for Gennas and Festivals. He appealed to his Kepenuopfü, the unknown creator, for protection and prosperity. He reverently phrased the sky as his father and earth as his mother in a non-ritualistic manner. Community values and social dos and don’ts comprised of taboos for the well-being of everyone. During certain Gennas, even fellow Nagas from other villages were forbidden to enter through the village gate, forget about others. Krüna is not even Animism or Paganism. It is our forefathers’ practical folk religion. It can only be known by its name Krüna or be best referred to as the Naga indigeneous religion. So who says Krüna is Hindu? It is not. In other parts of India, Hindu methods of tribal absorption were/are heatedly debated ever since the 50s. Our forefathers’ religion has nothing to do with Hinduism. I am a proud Naga and a poor Christian; but let us not cheapen or distort our legacy!
