Seng Kut Snem festival gets underway

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Nov 23: The festival Seng Kut Snem of the indigenous Khasi people was celebrated today with a procession from Madan Iew Rynghep, Laitumkhrah and concluded at the Weiking Field, Jaiaw with immense fanfare.

Hundreds of people belonging to the Khasi faith and even those from other religious faiths were seen attending the festival. Youths numbering around 40 to 50 decked up in traditiol attires participated in the procession, floats from various Seng Khasi and Sein Raid were also seen in the festival.  

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 was the protection and preservation of Niam Khasi, the customs and traditions of the indigenous Khasi which distinguishes the Khasi as a race distinct and different from any other race in the world.

Seng Khasi was established as the first indigenous organization of its kind among the Khasis. After the Khasi state have been conquered and brought under British rule, sixteen young men decided to form the Seng Khasi an organization which 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. Thus Seng Khasi was founded on November 23, 1899.

Addressing the indigenous Khasi faithful gathered at the Weiking Field, Seng Khasi (Kmie) president B Rumnong, said, “117 years ago the 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 Khasi faithful in attendance to cling to their values and not to forget the ancient tradition and customs of the indigenous Khasi community.