Food and Communal Mourning: Rules of Commensality of the Young Mizo Association of Mizoram, India

Every culture and community across the world has its own set of rituals and practices related to how they address the death of their members. The event usually comprises a communal gathering where people come together to pay their respects. Vigils or wakes on the night of the death are also observed by several communities. At these events, food and the manner in which it is cooked and served indirectly determine the overall success of the rituals. Taking this view into consideration, this article focuses on the Mizos of Aizawl, Mizoram, and how they operate during vigil nights under the guidance of the Young Mizo Association. The different social dynamics, such as division of labor, responsibilities in food preparation, performance of roles, and observation of the tlawmngaihna trait that come into play during these events make them excellent learning grounds for social norms and values for the people.