SHILLONG: The long struggle for keeping the traditional Khasi faith alive was remembered on Wednesday as thousands of Seng Khasi followers in their traditional attire thronged the Weiking ground at Jaiaw on the 117th foundation day of the Seng Khasi.
“Seng Kut Snem is the celebration to commemorate the renaissance and awakening of the Khasi community as a whole. The Seng Khasi was formed 117 years ago by 16 magnanimous young men who worked towards the preservation of the traditional beliefs and the culture of the Khasis and these men stood up against the British imperialism and strengthened the community to ensure that it deserves all that is there and to preserve the identity through the formation of Seng Khasi,” said Banteidor Rumnong, president of the Seng Khasi that was formed on November 23, 1899.
When asked about the hurdles faced by the Seng Khasi, he pointed out that conversion to other faiths had weakened the traditional faith in the beginning. “One of the threats, particularly in the early times, was the conversion to other faiths that led to the dilution of the culture, traditional beliefs and our roots,” he said and added that despite all odds the faith strived and fought for its identity.
R. Rynjah, culture secretary of the Seng Khasi, said people from Christian faith have come to an understanding and are now back to the traditional fold. “Some of them say they entered Christianity without understanding. It has dawned upon them that they are to preserve the Khasi culture and faith, we are born as Khasis and we will be Khasis,” he added.
Rynjah informed that every Sunday, there are speakers who talk on the traditional knowledge and wisdom of the Khasis. “It is a sort of Seng Khasi awakening movement. The movement has more than 300 branches all over Khasi-Jaintia.”
Through the celebrations of Seng Kut Snem, the Seng Khasi has upheld its aim of protection and preservation of the customs and traditions embracing all aspects of the Khasi way of life, which included traditional music and dances, games and amusements, Rynjah explained.
