ABSTRACT
Cultural heritage means traditions or living expression, inherited from the predecessors and transmitted to the successors orally or by gesture. It includes language, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe and traditional craftsmanship. The Rongmeis who are otherwise known as the Kabuis are an indigenous tribe under the ethnic umbrella of the Nagas and living in the north-eastern parts of India including Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland. The various festivals of the Rongmei are closely linked to their physical habitat and spiritual belief system. A festival performance serves the purpose of the articulation of the group’s heritage. The Rongmei traditional followers believe that Kangdailu is fond of crabs and it is an essential item of offering. If a crab is not found, dishes made of snails, prawns, etc., are offered. It should be noted that Rongmei cultural heritage gives a realistic picture of its indigenous essence which unites them from generation to generation.
