Flagbearers of faith sway Shillong

SHILLONG: Dressed in traditional regalia, 70-year-old Kissor Sing did not seem to tire at all as he kept pace with those much younger than him dancing on the streets of Shillong on the occasion of Seng Kut Snem on Wednesday. The faithful lot was celebrating the foundation day of the Seng Khasi organization of Meghalaya's indigenous Khasi-Pnar community.

Bearing a flag featuring a cock against the backdrop of the rising sun, Sing, along with hundreds of Khasi-Pnars from a faraway hamlet, swayed to the haunting beats of traditional drums to proclaim the ancient wisdom, dignity and grandeur of the religion.

"The cock plays an important part in the Khasi religion and is believed to be a mediator between God and man. According to tradition, at the beginning of time, sins had become rampant among people. So much so that even the sun refused to appear. It was the cock, of all living creatures, that agreed to risk its life for the good of man. At its crowing, the sun came out of his hiding," explains Sing. "Our religion is simple and it preaches the concept of 'Kamai ia ka hok', meaning 'earn with honesty', something that the younger generation needs to understand," he says.

A younger Seng Khasi member, who is pursuing a degree in social science, says, "The Khasi-Pnars believe in one supreme God whom they call U Blei Nongthaw or U Beli Nongpynlong (creator-dispenser). The deity is also occasionally addressed as Ka Blei (goddess), given the fact that the Khasis are a matrilineal society."

More than a century ago, a socio-cultural organization called the Seng Khasi was begun to preserve and profess the indigenous religion.

"The Khasis have their own identity in terms of religion and culture that had been laid down by their ancestors. The Seng Khasi calls upon all Khasis to remember their roots and strive to live in harmony with all other communities so that peace and prosperity can once again reign in these beautiful hills," explains Banteilang Singh Rumnong, a functionary of the Seng Khasi.

Seng Kut Snem is a festival celebrating the foundation day of the Seng Khasi. On November 23 every year, Seng Khasi members following the traditional Khasi faith or the Niam Khasi gather to pay their respects to God, the Almighty.

"This day is celebrated to mark the beginning of the renaissance and awakening of the Khasi community. Its purpose is to influence the people to preserve their religion and culture," says a Khasi elder.

This celebration takes the form of community prayer for protection of the distinct identity of the Khasi race. On the day of the festival, elders impart oral teaching, publish books and writings and conduct lectures on the traditional faith, beliefs, customs, behaviour, etiquette and the Khasi culture as passed on by ancient Khasi predecessors.

Seng Kut Snem kicks off with a cultural procession called 'Laid Pyni Riti', showcasing the various facets of Khasi Life.

The procession, which begins from the Madan Iewrynghep (Fire Brigade Ground), culminates at the Lympung Weiking in Mawlai, where prayers are offered to God, the Creator. Lectures on the Khasi faith and ways of life are delivered by Seng Khasi elders followed by a culturalprogramme.

Folk songs, dances and other instrumental music are played during the festival. Over the years, Seng Kut Snem has become a famous event of Shillong and a prime tourist attraction.