State govt urged to develop the site
SHILLONG: Hundreds of people from the indigenous Khasi religion took part in the annual pilgrimage to U Lum Sohpetbneng or navel of Heaven to offer obeisance to God as the pilgrims climbed the peak.
Banteilang Rumnong, President Seng Khasi said there was an overwhelming response to the pilgrimage.
Commenting on the State Government’s role of supporting the Seng Khasi, Rumnong said, “Basically we want the site of the annual pilgrimage at Lum Sohpetbneng to be developed as a heritage site and to expound the tourists of our beliefs and our origin. The place is rich in mythology and we are looking forward to promote the place as a means to showcase Khasi tradition and way of life.”
He further added, “We need the Government’s support to develop the area to imbibe traditional feelings for tourists who frequent the place and receive prayers or blessings.”
On being asked whether the rise of westernization has affected the indigenous beliefs, he stated, “Tradition and culture is not static and it is dynamic for it is a way of life. The Khasis have embraced other ideas and beliefs even the traditional dance attire is being adopted through trade with other people.”
The annual pilgrimage usually takes place in the first Sunday of February culminating at the peak where the priests perform rites and rituals for good fortune (Kiew eh-rngiew) to the people.
On the plans for renovation of the site, Rumnong informed that the Seng Khasi plans to uphold the natural beauty of the place with the additions of sitting areas, dancing arenas among others.
However, there were concerns as to the lack of infrastructure at the pilgrimage site by those who visited Lum sohpetbneng on Sunday that has caught the attention of both indigenous and non-indigenous pilgrims at the hilltop.
The journey to Lum sohpetbneng is risky and tiring amidst natural tracts, forests, steep and improper road, lack of parking amenities as well as refreshments, coupled with absence of toilet arrangements leading to rampant littering.
An elderly gentleman of the indigenous faith, concerned over the plight of this sacred place despite its “ancient origin” observed that this is affecting the sanctity of the place.
A team of Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre (SRGCC), a socio-cultural organization with philanthropic bent, who visited the shrine on Sunday, made a proposal to the LSK or Lum Sohpetbneng Komiti.
about the need for free refreshment stalls for pilgrims for which the SNGCC was also willing to extend its helping hand. However, LSK cited fund constraints as a reason for their inability to take such an initiative.
Tores Sunn, a member of LSK while expressing his organization’s inability to offer such service to the pilgrims due to lack of fund, said that he will surely take up this offer from SNGCC with the other members of LSK.
Many pilgrims and tourists urged the state government to come forward and help develop such a place since it is lying in a state of total negligence, despite its historical values and indigenous faith.
Many pilgrims were seen asking about this place from the LSK members, who in return informed them about the legacy behind this place.