By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 4: The Raid of Mylliem on Thursday performed the annual rituals at Iewduh, the oldest and largest traditional Khasi market, in the presence of the Lyngdoh of Raid Mylliem.
The ceremonies, held every year to honour U Lei Shillong and seek blessings for peace and prosperity in trade, began at Khliehduh, the main altar of Iewduh.
Additional rituals were held at Basa Tympew (the betel leaf market), accompanied by drums and flutes, culminating in the traditional Shad Lehniam Iewduh dance.
Nongkhlaw clan elder Daming Nongkhlaw, who has long performed the customary rites from Lum Shyllong to Iewduh, told reporters that the first ritual involving the rooster showed favourable signs and omens. The goat ritual, too, indicated positivity, he said.
“When God supports and hears the prayers of the five clans along with the 11 clans, and when thousands of subjects of Raid Mylliem and the Hima come together, it strengthens our traditions,” he said, urging Khasi and Jaintia communities to continue safeguarding their indigenous customs.
Nongkhlaw, however, revealed that the ritual involving the second rooster — it is associated with Lei Synshar, the deity of prosperity — indicated a “slight imbalance.” He said this sign reflected underlying disagreement among the three Myntris and the three clans entrusted with performing the rituals: Kharkongor, Sohtun, and Kurkalang.
“We have seen that in 2025, they issued a statement saying they would no longer perform the rituals of Raid Mylliem. This saddened the people because the Lyngdoh had gathered the children of the Kharkongor, Sohtun, and Kurkalang clans to take part in these duties. Their actions show a desire for power,” he remarked.
Nongkhlaw urged the Myntri, Bakhraw and the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Ainam Manik Syiem, to thoroughly examine the matter and ensure that the sanctity of the rituals is upheld.
The ritual at Basa Tympew, involving a female fowl, was performed to bless the prosperity of the market and its economic activities.
Despite the successful performance of the rituals, the indicated disharmony among the three Myntris raised concerns about the unity and smooth functioning of traditional responsibilities within Raid Mylliem.
