SHILLONG: The air was filled with fervour and excitement as thousands of Seng Khasi followers belonging to the traditional Khasi faith gathered at the Weiking Ground here at Jaiaw to observe the Seng Kut Snem, a festival celebrating the foundation day of the Seng Khasi.
Seng Khasi believers, both young and old, decked up in their traditional attires paid tribute to God, the Almighty and prayed for protection of the distinct identity of the Khasi race. This day is celebrated to mark the beginning of the renaissance and awakening of the Khasi community.
During the celebration, elders imparted oral teachings from published books and writings and conducted many programs about the traditional faith, beliefs, customs, behavior etiquette and the Khasi culture as bestowed by the ancient Khasi predecessors.
The celebrations of the day started with a cultural procession known as “Iaid Pyni Riti” showcasing the various facets of Khasi Life.
The procession culminated at the Lympung Weiking where prayers are offered to the God the Creator and lectures on the Khasi faith and ways of life are delivered followed by a cultural programme.
It may be reminded that 114 years ago, the Seng Khasi Movement was started which marked beginning of the renaissance and awakening of the Khasi community for preserving and conserving the Khasi traditions, cultures and religion.
During the British rule, continued assault on the indigenous faith and culture of the Khasis and Jaintias led sixteen young men to form an organization called the ‘Khasi Young Men’s Association’ on November 23, 1899 to preserve and safeguard the indigenous way of life also known as ‘Niam Trai Niam Tre’.
A year later, the Khasi Young Men’s Association celebrated its first anniversary and called it Seng Kut Snem and the occasion is celebrated every year to commemorate that movement. In 1901, the Association was renamed ‘Seng Khasi’.
During this festival, traditional dances were performed by the dancers from various Seng Khasi units all over the state.
It was also marked as an occasion to welcome all the members of the Seng Khasi while stressing on the need to preserve and protect the indigenous identity.