Lai Khutshangbi

Lai Khutshangbi
Lai Khutshangbi, the long handed demoness.
GroupingMythology
Sub groupingMeitei mythology (Manipuri mythology)
Similar entitiesYenakha Paodabi, Keibu Keioiba
FamilyHingchabi (demoness)
FolkloreMeitei folklore (Manipuri folklore)
Other name(s)Lai Khutsangbi
Country
RegionManipur

Lai Khutshangbi (/laai-khoot-shaang-bee/) is a demoness (hingchabi) in Meitei mythology and folklore of Antique Kangleipak (Ancient Manipur). She has very long hands. The word "Lai" means "deity or divinity," "Khut" means "hand," and "Sangbi" or "Shangbi" means "long" in Manipuri (Meitei).[1][2][3] The legend says that when she walks, her long hands touch the ground. Her fingers are as sharp as thorns. She has a large mouth with a long tongue. Her appearance is very frightening.[4]

  1. ^ Oinam, James (2016-05-26). New Folktales of Manipur. Notion Press. ISBN 978-1-945400-70-4.
  2. ^ Indian Literature. Sahitya Akademi. 1981.
  3. ^ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0.
  4. ^ B. Jayantakumar Sharma; Dr. Chirom Rajketan Singh (2014). Folktales of Manipur. p. 96.