Coconut and Chakma : A mythological story

Why coconut so much important in every
Chakma Social or Religious Ceremonies ?

Coconut is called NariKul in Chakma , which is composition of two words NARI mean WOMEN and HUL mean HEAD i,e head of women .

No ceremonies are being performe without Coconut , the present of coconut is mandatory in to perform social and religious ceremonies . We offer coconut, mix in foods and eat but WE  CHAKMAS DON'T BROKE COCONUT LIKE HINDUS . 

When I asked I heard this mythological story from my mom , which is as follows .

A long long ago there was a ugly girl like a coconut ( eyes ,nose and mouth in same place) . She was neglected by everyone and she was not allowed to take part in any cultural and religious ceremonies. She had a desire to marry to have kids like others women but no man was ready to marry her just because she was too ugly .

After her death she went to God and complaint that all of her wishes remained unfulfilled just because she was ugly . Therefore God blessed her that " a tree will come out from your graveyard and no man will perform any Social , Cultural and religious ceremonies without your (coconut) presence " .

In our society if anyone give proposal for marriage or when newly married couples go to in-law home then it's necessary to carry a pair of coconut and coconut is mandatory for all cultural and religious ceremonies .

Note- Chakmas are followers of Buddhism and in Buddhism there's no concept of God . However coconut is no more mandatory for any social and religious ceremonies . We use coconut as only a kind of fruits nothing more than that .

By Atul Chakma

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