◈ Sacred Grove Omnibus
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Riao Daikho (Damadi/Abongbra Daikho)

Between Samparidisa & Gaijon villages, Dima Hasao district, Assam (confluence of Abong & Diyung rivers)

India Active (Misengba ritual every 5–7 years) Single grove
Location
Between Samparidisa & Gaijon villages, Dima Hasao district, Assam (confluence of Abong & Diyung rivers)
Coordinates
~25.2°N 93.0°E
Size
3.67 acres (~1.49 ha) — largest of 12 daikhoes
Age / Founded
Ancient (Dimasa traditional faith)
Status
Active (Misengba ritual every 5–7 years)
Deity & Religion
55 ancestor/clan-gods (Sibarai=Shiva chief); Dimasa animism + Hinduism
Community & Guardians
Dimasa (Kachari) tribe; priests Gisia/Jonthaima/Dainyama of Naiding, Phonglo, Kemprai clans
Vernacular name
Daikho
Record type
Single grove

Cultural practices & uses

Animal sacrifice (buffalo, goats, pigeons), communal feast; women barred from grove interior

Plant species

Sacred & medicinal plants (grove kept cleared before rituals)

Biome & fauna

Northeast India riverine forest (near Abongbra confluence)

Threats & protection

Maintained by clan tradition; some conversion to Hinduism/Christianity

Source

Thaosen H., 'Rituals in Riao Daikho – the greatest sacred grove of the Dimasas'

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