Lai Phattaba


Lai Phattaba, also spelled as Lai Phataba, is a term in the Meitei language that refers to an evil spirit.

In different beliefs

Even in Meitei terminology, in monotheistic religions, there is usually only one evil spirit, similar to the single holy spirit. This spirit, often called the devil, represents darkness and opposition to light, symbolizing the contrast between good and evil.
In polytheistic religions, there are many evil spirits, just as there are many benevolent spirits.

In Meitei polytheism

Meitei polytheism recognizes multiple evil spirits, which can be grouped according to their nature and domain:
  • Dark and mischievous spirits
  • * Laimu – a spirit of black or dark nature
  • * Sharoi – a mischievous or evil-following spirit of divinity
  • * Sharoi-ngaroi – a form of Sharoi
  • * Laimu-Teenmu – similar to Laimu
  • Demonic and haunting spirits
  • * Lai-hingcha – a demonic spirit
  • * Tamna-Lai – a haunting evil spirit
  • * Hiyang-Athouba – a vampire-like spirit
  • * Laikhut-shangbee – a long-handed evil spirit
  • Presiding spirits of land and water
  • * Lammaba – the presiding evil spirit of land
  • * Tumaba – the presiding evil spirit of water or submerged land

Rituals and offerings

When offering food to the Lai Phataba spirit, devotees always face east. This is considered the correct direction for prayer. It is believed to roam around the surroundings of every family. During the offering, the head of the family places the food on a plantain leaf set on a bronze plate. He also carries a small traditional knife, called Heijrang in Meitei language.