Who is your husband?

Tamang was the daughter of the chief of the famous Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Fairskinned, smilingeyed, and with golden hair, the people of the tribe considered her to be the daughter of the Sun God.

Tamang was very skilled in singing and dancing as well as weaving clothes on handlooms. That is why her father Donigarth wanted to earn money by marrying his only daughter to one of the divine men like Ding Sil, Achu Abyon or Tubo Lioba It was the custom of their tribe that the boys family would give money to the girls father to marry off the girl. That day, there was a competition for weaving handloom clothes for women among the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, and after that there was a competition for bow and arrow for men.

Like every year, Tamang got the first prize. This year Tamang had done wonders. The moon, sun and stars were woven in white, gold, red and pink on a skyblue silk shawl. The shawl was decorated with fringes of stars all around. It was hard to believe that it was a woven shawl. It seemed as if a skilled painter had painted a beautiful picture.

On the other hand, a young man named Aabutani shot flying birds and butterflies with such skill that no one else could even stay close to him. Tamang and Aabutani met for the first time in the dance that took place after the competition, and fell in love with each other in the very first meeting. Seeing them dance, people also said, What a beautiful couple

Later they would meet secretly. Because both of them knew that Tamangs father would not approve of their marriage under any circumstances. So they both got married secretly.

One day Tamangs father told him that three divine men wanted to marry him. Tamang told that he was already married. His father said that he does not accept such a marriage, nor will those three divine men accept it. He cannot upset them. So there is only one solution. What father? Tamang asked. Gather everyone and put a condition. The one who fulfills the condition will be your husband. The three Devpurushas and Aabutani were called. The first condition is that all four of them will have to dance or jump on the ground in such a way that music sounds come from the ground.

Aabutani and Tamang were worried after hearing the condition. But Aabutanis sister said, Dont worry. Where Aabutani had to dance, he buried taalo i.e. brass plates under the soil. The dance began. The three Devpurushas started dancing. Even after the three Devpurushas jumped and jumped many times, no sound came. As soon as Aabutani started dancing, after every step the sound of tonton reverberated. Aabutani won.

But the father and the three Devpurushas did not agree. Another condition was put. Aim at the circular metal object tanlo with bow and arrow so that the arrow hits the tanlo. This time too Aabutanis sister suggested a solution. She applied wax taken from beehive on the tip of Aabutanis arrows.

The first Devpurush took aim. His arrow fell before it could reach the tanlo. The second Devpurush also aimed his arrow, but missed the target. It passed by the tanlo. The third Devpurush shot the arrow right on the tanlo. There was a sound of ton, but the arrow fell down. Finally Aabutani shot the arrow. It hit the middle of the tanlo and stayed there. Aabutani won this bet too. Now the last condition will be that if that Aabutani wins, then he will be your husband. Tamangs father and the three Devpurush said.

This is dishonesty. Every time Aabutani wins, you try to separate me and Aabutani by saying And one more condition Tamang said angrily. The rest of the people of the village supported Tamang. Seeing the anger of the people, Tamangs father and the Devpurush said, Now this will really be the last condition.

The one who throws the coal pieces and the earthen pot farthest will be Tamangs husband.

Tamang used his intelligence this time. He put honey inside Aabutanis pot and coated his pet bees with coal dust.

One by one the three divine men threw the pots and later the coal pieces. Now it was Aabutanis turn. He threw the earthen pot with full force which fell farther than the three pots. Then he...caught the bees in his fist and blew them in the air. The fragrance of honey reached the pots, while the coal pieces of the divine men did not even reach their pots. People hailed Aabutani. Tomorrow morning, at this very place, I will get Tamang married to Aabutani. Everyone is invited. Tamangs father announced.

In the morning, when Tamang reached the field dressed as a bride, she was surprised. Four people were standing in the guise of Aabutani. This was also a trick.

Identify who the husband is and garland him, said Tamangs father.

Tamang closed her eyes for a while. Then she said, I will first shake hands and only then garland him.

Very good, said all three Devpurushas happily. But Tamang saw that the real Aabutani was standing quietly. When Tamang shook hands with the first Devpurush, he pressed it hard and winked. Tamang angrily freed her hand. When Tamang reached the second Devpurush and extended her hand to shake, he became so mad that he started moving forward with his arms spread. Tamang slipped away. Just then the third Devpurush impatiently extended his hand and caught hold of Tamangs hand and started shaking it vigorously. With great difficulty Tamang freed her hand. Now she reached the fourth, that is, the real Aabutani. She shook hands with Aabutani. She was reassured by his familiar touch and the love overflowing from his eyes. He was completely convinced and garlanded Aabutani. Tamangs father and the three divine men kept listening to the peoples rebukes with their heads bowed in shame. People showered flowers in joy and completed the marriage ceremony.