Seng Kut Snem celebrated

SHILLONG: The celebration of 119th Foundation Day of the Seng Khasi (Seng Kut Snem) was held at Weiking ground at Jaiaw on Friday to reminisce the reawaken-ing of indigenous Khasi faith on November 23, 1899 with an aim to preserve and protect the Khasi beliefs.
Speaking on the occasion, assistant general secretary of Seng Khasi Kmie, Synroplang Kharshiing said the minority Khasi community has unique qualities be it in administration and giving women due prominence in the society.
Recalling the potential threat faced by the indigenous faith with the arrival of new beliefs and conversion to other faiths, he said 16 young men who were below the age of 30 stood to protect and preserve the culture of the Khasis by forming the Seng Khasi.
Stating that one of the principles of the Seng Khasi is to remain true to their roots, he said, “Back then, the elders of the Seng Khasi understood it is religion that defines our unique identity as a community. It is not a new religion.”
Kharshiing added if the community is to grow and find a place in this world and to find a path to the future is by looking back at the past where we learn that our ancestors had a strong binding relationship with God, the Creator.
Hundreds of Khasi and Jaintia people thronged the venue who were all dressed in traditional regalia. The rhythmic dance of the maidens and young men and the beat of traditional music instruments reverberated in the locality.