Pialrâl () is the ultimate heaven according to the folk myth of the Mizo tribes of Northeast India. The Mizo word literally means "beyond the world". Unlike most concepts of heaven, it is not the final resting place of the spirits of the good and the righteous, nor there is a role for god or any supernaturals, but is simply a reservation for extraordinary achievers during their lifetime to enjoy eternal bliss and luxury.
The concept of Pialrâl itself sums up very well the entire spiritual belief system in the animistic folk religion of the Mizo ancestors. It encompasses not only the spiritual realm, but also all the pathways for entry and services required to attain access. Although the traditional Mizo religion had been completely overshadowed by Christianity since the turn of the 20th century, the notion of Pialrâl still survives as a remnant in a Christian metaphor of paradise among modern Mizos, especially vivid in their songs of praise.
Theosophy
The Mizo ancestors believed in the existence of soul in two worlds beyond life, namely Mitthi Khua (literal translation: "land of the dead") and the higher abode Pialral. It is every human soul's destiny to go to Mitthi Khua, where most would end up eternally, but there is Pialral at the farther realm that is only for the select few. Mitthi Khua is an ordinary spiritual place, where all deceased must eventually enter and the hardships of earthly life still remain, forever. There is a tendency of modern evangelists and theologians to misinterpret Mitthi Khua and Pialral as synonymous to hell and heaven respectively. But in truth, the similitude is taken out of context. There is no conception of underworld, retribution, relentless suffering, demons or damnation for Mitthi Khua, as is confabulation of hell in most mythology; it is in simple description an inevitable destiny of all souls regardless of sins or virtues. Nor Pialral is an imperialistic kingdom of god with eternal worship as in other religions, it simply is a place of luxury and comfort for those who had made special deeds in life, called thangchhuah. The ultimate reward is simple: to be relieved from labour and be served with ready-made food. In fact the quintessential element of Pialrâl is an ever availability of milled rice for eternity (faisa ring, a common metaphorical expression in Mizo even today).
Passport to Pialrâl
Earning the title of thangchhuah is the most prestigious honour in the Mizo life and the only sure route to Pialrâl after death, and to achieve it is no small measure. By the estimate of the achievements imposed, Pialrâl is clearly an under-populated place. There are two ways by which one can accomplish the deed for being a thangchhuah, namely The first called ram lama thangchhuah (that is by hunting exploits) which mandates slaying of at least one enemy and a horde of wild animals, including elephant, bear, wild boar, gaur, sambar deer and barking deer. The bonus kill includes king cobra, crested serpent eagle and red giant flying squirrel, for the greater glory. In addition, there is a lesser daunting task, which is to sleep with a virgin. The other called in lama thangchhuah (that is by domestic deeds) which involves a massively lavish and extravagant ritual. The event is called khuangchawi (meaning "festival" or "celebration") which could only be afforded by the richest people, even by a few chiefs, and should at least last four days. The first day is preparatory involving repair of the host's house, preparation of wine, and milling rice, with an evening dance by all youngsters of the village. The second day is a wine-drinking day, and killing of pigs, of which a boar is for feast of the boys and two sows for sacrifice. The third day is a grand feast for the entire village, and men are expected to get drunk; a bison is used for the feast and a sow is also sacrificed by the best friend. The final day is again a feast day, but mostly of close kith and kin, and the day closes with an evening dance where all the youngsters participated. A concluding feast for all villagers is again necessary, but it can be organised at any convenient time of the year.
The distinctive entitlement of an accomplished thangchhuah family in the village was that they had an open window (no other house ever had a window).