KWATHA PHAM KAABA - 4:00PM

Documenting an event of accession of a headman in a secluded village called Kwatha, situated in the far southern part of the Indian state, Manipur, bordering Myanmar.

Kwatha, a small hamlet still preserves the culture and rites against the changes of modern times. Kwatha is run by 12 headmen with a village chief on top of the hierarchy. Its population does not even exceed 500 people yet they seem to lead a structured society with a complex administration in the division of labour. Their rituals and customs are unique and not found elsewhere. When a village headman is deceased or indisposed, the accession of a new headmen is celebrated as a huge festival in Kwatha.

It depicts a unique culture that has been flourishing for a long time in the margins of India. This village is a modern-day example of a civilization that has meticulously preserved their tradition and customs against the currents of changing times. During the event of this accession, there are many ceremonies performed which we do not find or see anywhere in the world.