This paper delves into the importance of death rituals observed by the Mizos, an indigenous tribe of Northeast India. In this study, the importance of death rituals is explored in terms of their role in restoring societal harmony and strengthening the communal sense of belonging within the tribe. By analyzing the rituals surrounding death, the study provides insights into the Mizo belief system and social structure. Symbolic elements such as clothing, grave goods, dances, burials and ceremonial actions like the firing of gun and beating of gong, serve as figurative representations that embody individual and societal identities. Moreover, Mizo death rituals are influenced by the social standing and circumstances of the deceased. The examination of these rituals demonstrates that wealth, social status, and political position of the departed were prominently displayed during funeral ceremonies, reflecting social cohesion and indicating the social hierarchy within the pre-Christian Mizo society.
