By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 5: Amid continuous rain throughout Wednesday, the Hima Sohra carried out its age-old traditional and customary rites to cremate the mortal remains of its late Syiem (chief), Freeman Sing Syiem, who had ruled the Hima from 1981 until his passing on October 31 this year. He was 81.
Freeman, who passed away after a prolonged illness, served as the Syiem of Hima Sohra for over 44 years, remembered for his steadfast leadership, deep cultural roots, and commitment to preserving the traditions of the Hima.
Significantly, this marks the first traditional cremation of a Syiem in Hima Sohra after 99 years, the last being held on March 23, 1926, when the mortal remains of Robasing Syiem were cremated according to age-old rituals.
Historical records indicate that Robasing, who passed away in 1918, was cremated eight years later in 1926 under the leadership of Joinmanik Syiem, who ruled from 1918 and formally as Syiem from 1926 to 1963. He was succeeded by Rodromanik (1963–1973), Mehsing (1973–1979), and Rose Mohon Roy, who served as Acting Syiem from 1979 to 1981.
The cremation of Freeman was led by the new Syiem of Sohra, Marremdor Syiem, who was elected by the Dorbar Hima Sohra on November 3 to assume leadership. As per tradition, the newly elected Syiem was required to perform the cremation of his predecessor before officially taking full charge of the Hima.
The day’s proceedings began with traditional rites at the late Syiem’s residence in Pdengshnong, Sohra, followed by a ceremonial procession to the royal courtyard and the Syiem’s Office, culminating in a solemn memorial gathering at Madan Maraikaphon.
Among those who attended the memorial were Sanbor Shullai, Minister of Arts and Culture; Gavin M Mylliem, MLA of Sohra; Powell Sohkhlet, Executive Member of KHADC; and Titostarwell Chyne, MDC of Sohra. Also present were Syiems and representatives from other Khasi Hima such as Mylliem and Khyrim, BV Rymmai, secretary of the Hima, along with ministers, nobles, family members, and citizens of the Hima.
The ceremony featured ritual dances, chants, and cultural performances by the people of Sohra, celebrating the life and legacy of the late Syiem.
Following the gathering, the mortal remains of Freeman were carried to the Kpep Ki Syiem Sohra at Pomsohmen, where the final cremation rites were performed amid prayers, chants, and traditional dances.
The bier, crafted in the shape of a ceremonial house, was escorted by around a hundred attendants to the Kpep Thang Syiem, ensuring it remained undamaged during the solemn march.
The Dorbar Hima had earlier made elaborate preparations for the ritual, which began on the night of November 4, when the “Lynkhason” (royal coffin) and bier were brought to the late Syiem’s residence in Pdengshong, accompanied by traditional Shangwiang dances and drumming by the people of Raid Mawshuit.
The bier was formally received by new Syiem of Sohra, along with the Myntris, Bakhraws, family members, and community representatives, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Hima’s leadership.
