The Kohinbo and its Ancient Origins

The Kohinbo is a revered clan (Kul), often associated with ancestors and regarded as the house of ancient religious practices. It symbolises deep-rooted beliefs and functions similarly to a temple in Hinduism. According to the Pye (scripture), the traditions of the Kohinbo have been practiced since ancient times. The Kohinbo concept appears to have developed during the time of Apa Poural Pachyu and Apa Krhonlu Pachyu. Prior to this, it is believed that people celebrated by placing the symbol of Kohinbo in front of significant natural features such as large mountains, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and beneath towering trees. Even today, in many villages, rituals such as Ohm Puhma Tehn and Toh Tehn are performed, with ceremonies carried out at the top and bottom ends of the village, respectively.

Historical Kohinbo Establishments

Lurbana Pachyu Guru established a collective Kohinbo for the Pachyu at a place called Phalipron Mharsyon, located in Uinchon Hyula, Choen Hyalsa-Hyulsa. Similarly, Yurban Klhepri Guru built another Kohinbo at a place known as Mukshitra Chahmgo Hyalsa-Hyulsa, after the Tamu people permanently settled there. Additionally, Kesi Lam Guru, along with a group of Bon Lams, descended into Narsyon to construct another Kohinbo.

Current Kohinbo Model

Later, PPC Yarjung Kromchhe designed a symbolic model of the Kohinbo, representing the collective figure of various types of Kaindus that the Pachyu, Klhepri, and Bon Lam Gurus use in their ritual ceremonies. This model includes various elements used in ritual rites, particularly the Kaindu, which is described as follows:

1. Placed four Kshyopa Kaindu in the four directions of the Kohinbo.

2. Arranged nine pillars inside the Kohinbo, forming the structure of Mewaku.

3. Incorporate symbols of eight Parkas on eight plates between nine pillars.

4. Positioned three Lhos in the middle of each Kshyopa Kaindu, totaling twelve Lhos in four plates.

5. Placed the Sargyan Kaindu in the centre, at the top of the Kohinbo.

6. Placed the Klhye Kaindu and Hyon Kaindu on top of the Sargyan Kaindu.

This model reflects the sacred traditions and religious symbols that have been passed down through generations, preserving the spiritual heritage of the revered clan (Kul).

Source: PPC Yarjung Kromchhe Tamu