SHILLONG, July 13: For the first time in the history, the Seng Khasi Kmie (SKM) will be part of this year’s Behdienkhlam festival at Aitnar Jowai slated for Thursday.
The SKM will take the sacred log to the sacred pond of Niam Tre called Wah-eit-nar in Jowai.
“We are very proud that our president has taken this great initiative for us to join hands in the festival for this first time. We will be carrying a tabut (sacred log) with all the meaning attached to it,” SKM cultural secretary Hammar Sing Kharhmar told reporters here on Wednesday.
According to him, this decision is significant to the Niam Khasi and Niam Tre communities. “By joining in the celebration, we want to show that our religion and way of life is the same. There are many ways of performing our rituals. But the foundation is the same. This is going to show the world that we are one as well as depict the richness of Khasi and Jaintia Hills,” Kharhmar said.
Recalling that from 1917 to 1940, Behdienkhlam was banned by the British, he emphasised on the cultural celebrations stating that they have religious foundation.
“In fact, all culture stems from religion. But we are happy to be part in a country where we can celebrate this cultural festival freely,” Kharhmar.
