Abstract:

Bong, gourd shell (Lagenaria siceraria Standl.) is essentially an integral part of Karbi culture and regularly used during Adam-asar or marriage and worships. The seeds of bottle gourd are believed to have been gifted by a Karbi God, Songsar Recho, the creator to the ancestor of the Karbis and till today gourd seeds are considered as one of the assets of the tribe. Songsar Recho is also considered as the custodian of all crops. Investigation further revealed that before the introduction of Bong into Karbi society, a fruit of Nong-nong (Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb.) was used as Bong for storing Horlank or rice beer and leaves of Phle-phle (Premna latifolia Roxb.) were rolled into cones and used as Lankponk (traditional drinking pot made out of bamboo) during marriage.