Three-day annual congregation of the Seng Khasi Sein Raij concludes amidst fanfare

Seng Khasi Sein Raij

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The three-day annual congregation of the Seng Khasi Sein Raij also known as 'Ka Lympung' held in Mawngap village of East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya concluded on Sunday, where about a lakh of people belonging to the Hynniewtrep Hynniew Skum — the 'Seven Huts', the 'Seven Nests' ethnic race took part with religious fervor and gaiety.

The three-day programme was organized by Seng Khihlang, an organization which was formed by Seng Khasi and Sein Raij to strive hard for the preservation of religious heritage, rites, rituals, customs and usage of the Hynniewtrep Hynniew Skum community. It was marked by the erection of monoliths, folktale narrations, community prayer, dances, quiz and debate.

Ka Lympung also fondly remembered all those elders including Ma Lakhon Shullai, the then president of Sein Raij, Shillong, Ma Tokin Rymbai, the then president of Seng Khasi, U Hipshon Roy Kharshiing, the then general secretary of Seng Khasi Seng Kmie who were instrumental in the formation of Seng Khih Lang meaning "Striving Together" on March 9, 1981. The first-ever Lympung was held at Nongkrem in the Khasi State of Hima Khyrim on April 17, 1988 and from then on, there was no turning back for the organization in the protection, preservation, inculcating patriotism and propagation of values of the Khasi community.

Ka Lympung also expressed deep gratitude to other members of 'Seng Khih Lang' including Babu HO Mawrie, who was popularly known as Babu On, U Welson Kyndiah, U Weldrolip Blah, U Khroo Shullai, Myntri Keni of Hima Mylliem, other elders and elder mother for their immense contribution to the growth and development of the organization.

A large number of organizations belonging to the indigenous faith from the North Eastern Region attended the three-day programme. Their participation ignited the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity among the different ethnic groups of the region. The speakers in this function were Bai Taba, the general secretary of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh, Thumbui Zeliang, the general secretary of Heraka Zeliangrong Nagaland, Dr. Lamolu Haime of Manipur, Balaram Pangcho of Karbi Anglong Indigenous People Organization and others.

On the first day, the Lympung started with the erection of the monoliths which were brought from Sabah Muswang in West Jaintia Hills. The monoliths were gifted to Seng Khasi Mawngap signifying not only the good gesture, but the perpetual bond of friendship that has been created between the two villages and their people. The history of this mega monolith erection will be orally handed down from one generation to the next.

On the second day, lots of activities for the youth were conducted. The day began with prayers for the well-being of the family, clan, community and also the country as a whole. It was followed by quiz, debate and extempore speeches. Prizes were distributed to the winners on the same day. When the evening came, the elders narrated folklores to the participants followed by an interactive session. The session saw the active participation of the inquisitive youth asking the elders to clear their doubts on a wide range of issues relating to religion, culture and society.

On the third and the final day, about a lakh of people from all walks of lives thronged the venue, most of the menfolk wore the turban (spong) in their heads and wrapped along the Khasi shawls (ryndia) in their shoulders. The women in their best traditional attire wore the dhara and ryndia thoh-rwiaw (silk dress) and paila (coral and gold necklace) in their neck. The programme started with prayer by the elder of the Seng Khasi Mawngap, followed the by hoisting of flag by Bah Kerios Wahlang, a renowned musician. A welcome address and a short speech was delivered by the President of the Seng Khihlang Mr. H.R. Kurbah. The welcome song was given by Seng Samla Mawngap followed by the benediction ceremony known as 'ka kyrkhu kyrdoh ban eh ka rngiew ka rwiang' to all the presidents and secretaries of the Seng Khasi and Sein Raij units.

Speaking on the occasion, Wanbha Lyngdoh who represents the 'Sein Raij Mukhla', dwelt at length on the relation between religion and environment.

Smik Kurbah, the vice-president of the Seng Bah Ki Nongshat Nongkhien, spoke about the race and religion. Different units of the Seng Khasi and Sein Raij took part in the cultural programme, showcasing the rich culture of the Hynniewtrep people. The function ended with a vote of thanks from Santina L. Mawlong, where she also announced that the Lympung next year will be held at Wahjajer.

Also read: Meghalaya news