Published on: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 |
The ritual, known as Mongungkias do Rinda, is to rid pests such as mice and birds from destroying vegetation, as well as to appease the guardian of these pests.
A mantra recitation called Rinait used by the Tantagas covers the space from the sky to earth.
Four zones in the districts were involved in this ritual, namely Bantayan, Telibong, Marabahai and Selupoh.
Villagers from each zone brought earth or grass among others, to symbolise the Rinda (pest) which is then inserted into a small vessel placed on a Rakit or bamboo float.
The ritual started at the community hall before heading to the riverbank where a sacrifice was performed and the Rakit left to drift away.
The Mongungkias do Rinda ritual is seldom witnessed apart from bigger ceremony such as Mamahui Pogun or cleansing of the universe ritual.
