According to the oral tradition of the Ao Nagas, there were some special men and women who were endowed with powers to read the future. They were called Arasentsür and the most common practice among them was to shred the leaf called ‘Aam’ (phyrinium pubescence) in order to predict futures and also to prescribe appropriate rituals as curatives for different diseases.
Two poems by Temsula Ao who was awarded the Padmashri in 2007, refer to underground groups which have filled the minds of Naga youth with violence and hatred, and the general situation in Nagaland. Ao passed away last year.
Signup for Outlook and get curated content to your inbox everyday.