125th anniv celebration of Seng Khasi Kmie
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 4: As part of its 125th anniversary celebration, the Seng Khasi Kmie (SKM) will hold a historic event on Sunday at the sacred summit of Lum Sohpetbneng, where over 40 commemorative monoliths will be erected.
Describing it as a rare and significant occasion in today’s world, SKM cultural secretary Hammarsing L. Kharhmar informed that more than 40 circles and units of Seng Khasi and Sein Raij have contributed the commemorative monoliths, which will all be erected on the same day.
“Monoliths and megaliths form an integral part of Khasi culture. Through this event, Seng Khasi continues its responsibility of preserving this ancient tradition at one of the most sacred sites for our people,” Kharhmar said, while speaking to reporters here on Tuesday. He explained that the message behind the event is to remind the community to “stand firm on its foundation and to grow from within that foundation”.
Describing Lum Sohpetbneng as a place of deep spiritual significance, Kharhmar said it symbolises the origin of the Khasi people and their enduring connection to their ancestral beliefs.
According to him, the upcoming ceremony will further consecrate the sacred site and bring positive energy,
unity and brotherhood among the people of the state.
He expressed hope that the event would also inspire indigenous faith groups beyond Meghalaya to continue strengthening their own roots and traditions. “Everyone today is beginning to understand that growth must come with roots intact. Seng Khasi was founded on this duty to love and preserve what is our own while respecting others,” he said.
Sharing the history of the organisation, Kharhmar recalled that Seng Khasi was founded in 1899 by 16 young men, and has now grown to over 300 branches.
“This event shows that anything rooted in self-understanding and appreciation of one’s inheritance will continue to thrive. Our intangible heritage will lead us forward,” he added.
Responding to queries, he clarified that Seng Khasi was not born out of reaction but out of love and respect for its own cultural identity. “The real strength lies in loving what is your own. Across the world, people are looking within to rediscover who they are—and that’s what sustains movements like ours,” he remarked.
Kharhmar said the Seng Khasi Kmie, at 125 years old, is probably the oldest indigenous faith organisation in India, perhaps even in the world.
He added that the movement draws its energy from peace, self-knowledge and love.
“Our belief is simple: when you despise yourself, you live in illusion. But we love who we are and we hope to inspire others to do the same,” he said.
Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Kharhmar said the greatest achievement of Seng Khasi lies in awakening curiosity among the youth about their roots and cultural identity.
“Today, not just Seng Khasi or Sein Raij youth, but many young people across the state are seeking to understand who they are. That is our real achievement,” he said.
He added that the organisation now aims to share more widely about its work and philosophy. “We could have quietly erected these monoliths, but we want the whole country and the world to know that Seng Khasi has reached 125 years and continues to preserve Khasi culture and spirituality,” he stated.
Meanwhile, SKM assistant general secretary Paia B. Synrem said this would be the first time in memory that such a large number of monoliths will be erected on the same day at Lum Sohpetbneng. He informed that the event will begin at 8 a.m. with rituals and brief addresses, followed by the erection of the commemorative monoliths. Governor CH Vijayashankar is scheduled to attend the programme in the evening at 3 pm.
Synrem also detailed the traffic arrangements, informing that no vehicles will be allowed to drive up to the upper area of Lum Sohpetbneng.
The public will have to walk around 100 metres from the designated parking area to the site. He appealed to all participants to maintain decorum and discipline, noting that the roads leading to the sacred hill are very narrow. “Unregulated vehicle movement could cause congestion, so we request everyone to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Seng Khasi,” Synrem said, adding that volunteers will be deployed to manage traffic and ensure smooth proceedings.
