"deity divine force"), also known as Mizo religion,[3] Lushai animism[3] or Khua worship, is a traditional polytheistic ethnic faith practiced by the Mizo people prior to the widespread adoption of Christianity during the British annexation of Mizoram.
[1][2] Vanlaltlani defines Sakhua as the worship of a benevolent unseen God, Pathian, who resides in heaven and acts as the creator, protector, and benefactor of all creation.
[5] In contrast, Saiaithanga states that Sakhua does not involve the worship of Pathian or the Ramhuai (spirits dwelling in forests and lands).
Liangkhaia explains Sakhua as rooted in spirit appeasement, involving sacrificial rituals led by a priest (Sadawt) to honor the Ramhuai.
[7] Zairema shares this view, considering Sakhua the guardian spirit representing a clan's identity.
After that, she would fling water from these exact windows out of the sky and onto the barren dryness of the soil, all to keep the greenery that was slowly but surely dwindling.
It is believed that Pathian bestows the righteous with blessings and good fortune and punishes the wicked with calamities and misfortunes.
As he is endowed with the power of thunder and lightning, he can be compared and seen parallel to Indra of the Hindu religion.
Sa is the creator and progenitor of a tribe, clan, or race, and khua is the protector who bestows well-being on humans.
If the experience was further intensified, a goat was sacrificed; the tail was severed and tied around the neck with a string.
[4] Sakung is a religious obligation for a newly married person in a separate house from their parents to perform.
The sadawt would tie the bamboo rod and the pig's head with some pieces of meat in the back corner of the house.
The family were not allowed guests, to work, visit public places, eat sour fruit and attend funeral meetings.
After three days the sadawt would chant religious rites known as thian which would conclude the ceremony and allow the family to live normally.