Seldom do I visit the countryside except on ceremonial occasions. But when I do, I can’t help myself from being enthralled by its serenity and its unspoiled beauty devoid of any urban interference, where the nature is at it’s rawest best. (Sometimes, I do feel why not get settled in this peaceful environment 
?)
[The Countryside]And this past weekend was such an occasion when I had to visit the countryside; for ‘Lapang’ had to be constructed and ‘Babo’ erected in connection with the ‘Myoko’ ceremony which begins this 20th. Apart from time for construction of Lapang and erection of Babo by the Myoko celebrating village(s) (Myoko festival is celebrated in turn by the villages), it is also the time when nurseries are prepared for rice saplings to sprout.
[The Nursery]
The construction of Lapang begins as early as from Murung Pullo i.e., the month of January, if there is any member of the clan performing Murung ritual and upto the first week of Myoko Pullo i.e., the month of March. [Here in this post, I wouldn’t be going deep into the myth associated with the Lapang and Babo or it’s significance. I’m reserving it for some other post 
.]
[Lapang under construction]
[Babo being pulled up]
[Pull Harder]
[I'm up!]
Now that Babo is up, who would volunteer to climb up the Babo to release the ropes used for pulling it up? Well, this gentleman volunteered and climbed all up to the ‘Tapiir’ of Babo and released the ropes.
[Am I Spidey?]
8 Comments
It feels like Myoko time even in Bangalore after seeing those awesome photos.
Are you coming for Myoko?
Yes. I will be home for Myoko. It feels like a long time since I’ve been to Hapoli last year. I really need a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. Never felt homesick before, but I was planning an escape for quite some time now.
See ya soon.
Very nice photo collection, AG, and very nicely displayed. Now I can see what babo elements such as ‘cholo’ or ‘lako’ really look like…
PB,
I’m glad that I was able to make you clearer on ‘cholo’ or ‘lako’
Nice Photographs AG….
Whose Myoko is it this time ?
Hari ???
Hmmm..
Thanks Rome….
Yup! it’s Hari’s and Bulla’s turn to celebrate Myoko and invite other villages to the feast. Wish you could be here to enjoy the feast:).