File:Lungzubel Meghalaya.JPG

Lungzubel which literally means “Stone rice-beer container” in the Biate language, is a stone container used by the Biate people since ancient times, for preparing and preserving rice beers for festive seasons , the replica are also made in memories of the departed souls of their dear ones and placed near their graves , but this practice was however abandon after their conversion to Christianity.

Earlier the lunzubels were used to be found abundantly in all the villages, and sites where-ever the Biates tribes settled, but since their conversion to Christianity and abandonment of this practises, most of the Lunzubels were destroyed or used as stone chips for building houses.

However, a few of them can be still found at the Kharthong area in Dima Hasao District (particularly in Khobak Village) and some villages in Saipum areas of Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It is pertinent to mention that along with the Lungzubel, the Lungmaicham (A sacrificial stone altar of the Biate for "Chung Pathian" - God Above and "Nuaia Malal" - Primordial God of the Earth), Lungsum(stone Grinder/mortar used by the Biate for grinding rice and seeds) are still found abundantly at Khobak ( a Biate Village). One can have a glance of it, while visiting Khobak.

With a view to promote peace and harmony including boosting tourism in the district, Lungzubel festival was organised by the Biate Cultural Organisation (BCO) of Assam, in collaboration with 22 Sector Assam Rifles, State Tourism Department and Archaeological Department and a Haflong-based NGO named Make a Difference (MaD) Society, on September 15 at Khobak village.

Khobak village, overlooking the slopes of Meghalaya, located in the picturesque hills district of Dima Hasao, about 130 kms from its headquarter Haflong, is the new tourist destination of Dima Hasao, especially for nature lovers.

Thousands of people from all spheres attended the day-long programme that included pipe band display by the Assam Rifles and traditional dance by the local villagers belonging to the Biate community of Haflong. The event was also participated in by the Highlanders – the bikers’ Club from Haflong, who rode all the way from the city to the venue.

Unfurling the National Tricolour during the event, NC Hills Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debojeet Thaosen praised the organisers for holding such a successful event and promoting this place which has such a promising tourism potential.