Houjahen Haokip, a male speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung) explains the belief of God and the various spirits. He is 85 at the time of recording. The Thadou believed in the existence of both the supreme God who is in control of everything and the various spirits who inflict sickness when they are instigated by human beings who cannot see the spirits with their naked eyes.

Houjahen Haokip, a male speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung) explains birth ceremonies in Thadou. He is also a speaker of Manipuri. He is 85 at the time of recording. When a baby is born, friends and relatives visit and give gifts. A priest blesses the child and gives them the name of their grandfather, whichever of their grandfathers lived the longest life.

Houjahen Haokip describes the ceremonial practices performed when a person dies. He is a Thadou speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung village), around 80 years old at the time of recording. He was thought to be the only living Thadou priest in Lambung village at the time.

Houjahen Haokip, a male speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung) explains marriage ceremonies in Thadou. He is also a speaker of Manipuri. He is 85 at the time of recording. The man must approach the parents of the bride with a pot of wine and ask permission to marry their daughter. Then they set a date, and the families offer an animal (often, a mithun) for the ceremony.

Banbuna Gangmei describes the traditional ceremonies of the Rongmei in the presence of other elders of Ngaselong village in Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar, Assam. He is 60 years old at the time of recording.

Gaingamlungpou, a native speaker of Rongmei, describes the traditional religion of the Rongmei. He is a resident of Ngaselong village in the Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar district of Assam. He is 67 years old at the time of recording.

Houjahen Haokip describes Thadou village administration practices. The council of ministers helps the chief or village headman make decisions for the village on issues such as divorce, theft, and announcing news. He is a Thadou speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung village), around 80 years old at the time of recording. He was thought to be the only living Thadou priest in Lambung village at the time.

Performance of a traditional song in Chorei. The singer is about 80 years old at the time of recording.

Group performance of Assam Ram 'Assam's land,' an original song composed by Sukumar Sakachep.

Group performance of Assam Ram 'Assam's land,' an original song composed by Sukumar Sakachep.

Performance of a traditional string instrument in Joy Kumar Sakachep's home in Jailen village, Karimganj District, Assam.

Lhingnu Saihriem sings a traditional Saihriem song. She is from Bahbahar village, Cachar District, Assam, around 95 years old at the time of recording.

Lhingnu Saihriem sings a traditional Saihriem song. She is from Bahbahar village, Cachar District, Assam, around 95 years old at the time of recording.

Lhingnu Saihriem sings a traditional Saihriem song. She is from Bahbahar village, Cachar District, Assam, around 95 years old at the time of recording.

Lhingnu Saihriem sings a traditional Saihriem song. She is from Bahbahar village, Cachar District, Assam, around 95 years old at the time of recording.

Lhingnu Saihriem sings a traditional Saihriem song. She is from Bahbahar village, Cachar District, Assam, around 95 years old at the time of recording.

Lhingnu Saihriem sings a traditional Saihriem song. She is from Bahbahar village, Cachar District, Assam, around 95 years old at the time of recording.

Group performance of a song about the origins of the Sakachep people, accompanied by traditional instruments.

Houjahen Haokip recites the ritual called Aneovei used to heal childhood sickness. He is a Thadou speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung village), around 80 years old at the time of recording. He was thought to be the only living Thadou priest in Lambung village at the time.

A native priest 'Ochai' dedicates food for the Puja festival in Jailen village, Karimganj District, Assam.

Houjahen Haokip recites the ritual called khaolangthoina for healing of those who suffer from a sickness. It is for pleasing the spirits who lives in lakes and water bodies. He is a Thadou speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung village), around 80 years old at the time of recording. He was thought to be the only living Thadou priest in Lambung village at the time.

Houjahen Haokip recites the ritual called Tehsedoi used for healing elderly men. He is a Thadou speaker from Manipur (currently living in Lambung village), around 80 years old at the time of recording. He was thought to be the only living Thadou priest in Lambung village at the time.

Performance of the Ngan Ngai dance by a group of Rongmei youths in traditional clothing at the Ngan Ngai festival.

Group performance of the traditional song Daka daka, accompanied by traditional instruments.