NONGPOH: In a bid to preserve a traditional practice of the past generations of Rongmesek village, Rep Krut Kba – an indigenous practice of planting rice on hilly terrains – was organised by the village Dorbar on Tuesday.
The locals enthusiastically took part in the programme which was also attended by Umsning legislator Jason Mawlong, Ri Bhoi Police Chief, S Thamar, village headman, Albinus Timung and other prominent leaders.
Though the indigenous practice has been opposed by many due to its detrimental effects on forests, the village leaders chose to organise this special programme in a bid to preserve the old-age traditions of the local residents of Rongmesek village.
The village leaders performed rituals to seek divine blessings for a fruitful harvest prior to the plantation programme. Rice and other crops were planted with men, women and children participating in providing water, traditional wines and cleaning of unwanted weeds from the field.
An elder from the village performed ninety traditional tunes as part of the traditional practice of giving directions on how to go about the plantation.
Mawlong lauded the efforts of the village leaders in organising the special programme aimed at preserving the old-age traditional practice of the villagers.