From our Correspondent
JOWAI: People of Jowai celebrated the annual Chad Sukra or the sowing festival amidst pomp and gaeity on Sunday.
The Chad Sukra was organised by the Art and Culture Department of the Sein Raij in which leader of the Opposition, Conrad Sangma and East Khasi hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal graced the occasion as chief guest at Mynkoi Pyrdi, Iongpiah and Iawmusiang respectively.
Addressing the crowd, Sangma suggested that the Chad Sukra festival be documented in the form of coffee booklet so that it will help tourists to know more about festivals of the indigenous people.
He stressed upon the unique identity of the indigenous hill people in the state. He said, “To preserve the identity of the indigenous people, festivals should be protected.”.
Chad Sukra festival is performed annually by the indigenous of Jaintia Hills, particularly those belonging to Niamtre or the traditional faith.
Shad Sukra is a festival of joy as it signifies the home coming of relatives and friends back to the village before sowing their crops.
Sein Raij Jowai revived the Chad Sukra festival in 2006 after a gap of many decades.
“Due to unavoidable circumstances, the Chad Sukra took a long break since 1951-52”, informed Sein Raij Jowai President, OR Challam.
This year, the Chad Sukra in Jowai began on Saturday with a thearitical play performed by the youth of various localities at Panaliar Community Hall.
On Sunday, the formal inauguration was held at Myngkoi Pyrdi, Iongpiah Jowai in which various traditional dances were performed by young and old representing their respective locality. Localities including Dulong, Panaliar, Loom Iongkjam, Chilliang Raij, Loom Kyrwiang, Ummulong and Tpep-Pale besides youth from Sein Raij Nangbah, Raid Raliang and Sein Raij Shillong actively took part in the celebration.
The Pnars believe that before they set foot on their respective fields and start cultivating their crops, one should offer a prayer to the god so that their crops will be protected from natural calamities such, as hailstorm, rain and other.