From Our Correspondent
Dainadubi, Jan 2: Like every year, on January 2, thousands gathered at the Bangsi Apal Government School playground near Dainadubi village to herald the end of the holiday season through song and dance to thank the Almighty for another year gone by.
The participants used drums, cymbals and flutes to play traditional songs. In order to keep with tradition, the organisers have removed any form of competition, allowing anyone who wants to join in to be part of the crowd of dancers and singers.
The volume of the event was so loud that the sound of drums and cymbals could be heard nearly a kilometre away in Dainadubi. The celebrations began at 11 am and continued non-stop until 5 pm. “We organise the event every year on January 2 to keep the tradition of Song Krittan alive. This is one tradition that needs to be continued by our future generations,” Committee President Jaffrey Momin said.
‘Song Krittan’, which derives its name from ‘Kirtan’ that is still widely practised across Meghalaya, Assam and West Bengal, is a tradition where moving bands of people sing and dance in the praise of God. While the practice has been on the wane in recent times, while Garo Hills continue to keep the tradition alive in the most revered way.
Early Garos, most of whom were Songareks, adopted the tradition and added their own flavour to it, resulting in what is now known as ‘Song Kristan’ in local circles. ‘Song Krittan’ is a tradition in which groups sing and dance, using various instruments to praise the Almighty. Although this tradition began with the Songsareks, it has continued even after most Garos converted to Christianity.
However, in recent years, fewer and fewer people have been participating in ‘Song Kristan’ annually, causing the tradition to slowly fade.
This year’s event saw continuous participation through the day and continued until the evening, where people continued to dance and sing, along with drums and cymbals, to mark an end to the holiday season.
The event held today was its 17th edition, with the managers of the programme stating that they wanted to keep the tradition of ‘Song Krittan’ alive for ages to come.
The organisers began their attempt at keeping the tradition in a robust state since 2005, with there being a few years’ gap due to the advent of COVID–19.
The programme had such footfall that stores sold out within hours, with many scurrying for extra stock within even those selling within a few more hours. Parking bays in almost all sections were completely full.
Earlier, ‘Song Kristan’ groups were present in every village, with both old and young being part of the groups. However, of late, the situation has changed with elders hardly being part of the groups that undertake this form of celebration.
“Earlier, we began ‘Song Kristan’ from as far back as December 3. This was immediately after the examinations ended in most schools. These would continue till January 1. Today’s programme will herald the end of the holiday season for us as we once again ready ourselves for another year of work,” added a resident of Nishangram.
The huge participation in the celebration was welcomed by the organisers, who hoped that the numbers would continue to swell in the years to come.
Residents from all the districts of Garo Hills, as well as parts of Khasi Hills, were part of the gathering. Nearby residents of Assam, too, ensured the programme got the reception it deserved.
“Our aim is to help revive old traditions among us in an authentic manner. We have been promoting the same through this programme, which we help to manage, not organise, as this is tradition. The crowd this year indicates to us that our efforts are bearing fruit. We hope to continue this trend going forward,” Jaffrey Momin said.
Despite the success of the event, the organisers expressed disappointment about the lack of support from the state or district administration for the continuation of the event. Funds were collected through donations and through rent from stalls that were set up.
Expressing his frustration, Gilsang D Shira, the secretary of the managing committee of the event, said, “We have stopped seeking help from the state or administration for more than a decade because they have never come forward despite our pleas. The event has attracted tourists from all across Assam and parts of Garo Hills, but there is no promotion for our celebration. It would have been great if we received some support to help us organise the programme.”
