Title: Traditional Harvesting System among the Lamkangs

Language: Lamkang

Description: The narrator, Bungtivi Sankhil (70), a respected elder from Paraolon village, explains that the harvest season is one of the most cooperative and culturally significant periods for the Lamkang people. He describes how all the work is carried out manually using traditional tools such as sickles, which demand precision, experience, and skill. Families cut, bundle, and transport the paddy entirely by hand, drawing on knowledge passed down through generations. Once a household finishes its own field, they immediately join their neighbours, creating a system of rotating collective labour throughout the village. This shared effort not only lightens the workload but also strengthens social bonds, reinforcing unity and mutual support within the community.
He also speaks about Chavan Kumren, the Lamkang post-harvest festival, which literally means “new beginning.” During this festival, villagers offer a portion of their newly harvested grain to the church, as well as to elders and spiritual leaders who guide the community. These offerings express gratitude for a successful harvest and convey hope for prosperity in the coming year.
According to him, both the cooperative labour during harvesting and the celebration of Chavan Kumren reflect the core Lamkang values of reciprocity, cultural identity, gratitude, and the deep relationship the community shares with one another and with the land that sustains them.

Format & Duration: 5 mins 1 second
Date of Recording: 11/23/2025
Date of Upload: 25 November 2025
Performer: Bungtivi Sankhil
Creator: Jaipuile Sankhil
Publisher: Tetso College, Dimapur
Note: NA

Cite this work

Sankhil, Jaipuile    . 2025  . Traditional Harvesting System among the Lamkangs    . ( Narrated by Bungtivi Sankhil     )  . Sovima: NEIIPA, Tetso College  . (https://neiipa.in/audio/traditional-harvesting-system-among-the-lamkangs/)  . Accessed: (26-Nov-2025)