Sartuinek (Mythical Lake of the Dead)
Sârtuinêk is a pond believed by the Hmars to be associated with the spirits of individuals who died in circumstances deemed ‘unnatural’. The nearby village is referred to as Sartuinek in accordance with this belief. In Hmar tradition, deaths are categorized into two types: sârthi (unnatural) and thi pangngâi (natural). Sârthi deaths encompass accidents such as falling from a tree, drowning, murder, suicide, and death caused by wild animals.[3] It is believed that the spirits of those who died unnatural deaths pass through this pond, known as Sârtuinêk, where they purportedly drink its water. Consequently, the village is named after this pond. Subsequently, according to tradition, the spirits continue their journey towards Mithikhuo (world of the dead) via Thlânpielkawt near Khawlêk in Mizoram.
[source: Dr Lal Dena/Hmar Art and Culture Society]
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