Three-day Lympung festival concludes in Mawngap

SHILLONG: The three-day annual congregation of the Seng Khasi Sein Raij also known as Ka Lympung concluded in Mawngap on Sunday.
Around one lakh people belonging to the Hynniewtrep Hynniew Skum – the Seven Huts, the Seven Nests – took part in the annual event with religious fervour and gaiety. The three-day event was organised by the Seng Khihlang, an organization which was formed by Seng Khasi and Sein Raij to preserve and protect the religious heritage, rites, rituals, customs and usage of the Hynniewtrep Hynniew Skum community.
The event was marked by the erection of monoliths, folktale narrations, community prayer, dances, quiz and debate. Ka Lympung also acknowledged Lakhon Shullai, former president of Sein Raij, Shillong, Tokin Rymbai, former president of Seng Khasi and Hipshon Roy Kharshiing, former general secretary of Seng Khasi Seng Kmie for their contributions which led to the formation of the Seng Khih Lang (Striving Together) on March 9, 1981.
The first ever Lympung was held at Nongkrem in the Khasi state of Hima Khyrim on April 17, 1988 and from then on, there was no turning back for the organisation in inculcating a spirit of patriotism in the Khasi community.
A large number of organisations belonging to indigenous faith from the North Eastern Region attended the event as their participation ignited the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity among the different ethnic groups of the region.
Speakers during the event comprised Bai Taba, general secretary of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh, Thumbui Zeliang, general secretary of Heraka Zeliangrong, Nagaland, Lamolu Haime of Manipur, Balaram Pangcho of Karbi Anglong Indigenous People Organization and others.
On the first day, the Lympung started with the erection of the monoliths which were brought from Sabah Muswang in West Jaintia Hills. The monoliths were gifted to Seng Khasi Mawngap signifying not only the good gesture, but the perpetual bond of friendship that has been created between the two villages and their people. The history of this mega monolith erection will be orally handed down from one generation to the next.
The second day consisted of a number of activities for the youth. The day began with prayers for the well being of the family, clan, community and also the country as a whole followed by quiz, debate and extempore speeches. Prizes were distributed to the winners on the same day. Elders also narrated folklores to participants during the evening session.
On the third and the final day, people from all walks of life thronged the venue with most of the men wearing turbans or spong along with Khasi shawls (ryndia). Women on the other hand, wore the traditional dhara and ryndia thoh-rwiaw (silk dress) while many were also seen sporting the paila (coral and gold necklace) around their necks.
The programme began with a short prayer, followed the by the flag hoisting ceremony by renowned musician Kerios Wahlang.
Speaking on the occasion, Wanbha Lyngdoh, a representative ofthe Sein Raij Mukhla dwelt at length on the relation between religion and environment while Smik Kurbah, vice president of the Seng Bah Ki Nongshat Nongkhien spoke about the race and religion.