A Correspondent
Haflong: The people of the Jeme community of Dima Hasao are celebrating their year-ending festival ‘Hega- Ngi’ from December 10 to December 12 with traditional fervour and gaiety.
On the first day of the festival, they offer their best jhum product to the ‘Tin wang’ leader of the sky in the ‘Kelumki’( temple ). While praising the ‘Tin wang’ for their best harvest, they pray for his blessings.
The second day is a day for traditional games and sports and merry-making. Those who win the prizes have to invite others to their respective houses to enjoy the spirit of the festival. Meat and ‘Ju’ (rice beer) are served to every guest in a traditional manner.
The third day is the day for seeking blessings from the elders. Youths go for door to door, dancing and singing to seek the blessings of the elders. A bunch of thread is tied to the wrists of children as a mark of blessings.
In these days of fast modernization, the Jemes are still striving for the preservation of their tradition and culture. The distinct culture of the Jemes is manifested through the celebration of their community festivals, their folklore, folk songs, dances and music. They observe a number of community festivals mostly related to agriculture. These are Heleibambe, Nehang Bam, Puakpal, Siami and Hega Ngi.