Seng Kut Snem festival celebrated in Shillong

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Nov 23: Seng Kut Snem festival of the Khasis organised on the occasion of the foundation day of the Seng Khasi was celebrated with a colorful programme here on Thursday.

A procession was taken out from Madan Iew Rynghep, Laitumkhrah that culmited at the Weiking Field, Jaiaw.

Thousands of people belonging to the traditiol Khasi faith as well as other religious faiths were seen attending the festival. Youth numbering around 40 to 50 decked up in traditiol attire participated in the procession.

It may be noted that Seng Khasi is a socio-religious cultural organisation of the indigenous Khasi belonging to the Niam Khasi religion. Its aim is protection and preservation of Niam Khasi, the customs and traditions of the indigenous Khasi faith. 

Seng Khasi came to be established as the first indigenous organisation of its kind among the Khasis. After the Khasi State had been conquered and brought under British rule, 16 young men decided to form the Seng Khasi, an organization that took upon itself the work of protecting the Khasi religion, customs and tradition etc, to ensure that its distinct identity in the world is preserved for all time to come. Seng Khasi was founded on 23rd November, 1899.

Addressing the indigenous Khasis gathered at the Weiking Field, Seng Khasi (Kmie) general secretary Arwan S Tariang said, "Exactly 118 years ago Seng Khasi was constituted with the objective to protect and preserve the Khasi religion as it had faced a threat from exterl forces who were hell bent on eradicating our customs and traditions."

He urged the Khasis to cling to their values and not to forget the ancient tradition and customs of the indigenous Khasi community.

"It is the duty of each and every one of us to join hands and further strengthen the work culture of Seng Khasi so that the indigenous Khasi community will continue to strive and live on for thousands of years to come," he said.