Shillong, Nov 23: Thousands gathered on Sunday at the Weiking Ground in Shillong to celebrate the 126th Seng Kut Snem, an observance that commemorates the founding of the Seng Khasi movement in 1899.
The Seng Kut Snem is a movement created to protect the Khasi community’s indigenous faith, customs and cultural identity.
On August 23, 1899, 16 Khasi youths formed the Seng Khasi to protect their indigenous religion, rich culture and unique language in the face of changes brought by the arrival of British administration and Christian missionaries.
Since then, the movement has gained momentum, imbibing a sense of pride in the Khasi youth in their rich and unique heritage.
On Sunday, thousands of indigenous Khasi youths, elderly men and women attired in traditional dress took to the streets in the state capital proclaiming the dignity and solemnity of the indigenous Khasi faith and culture.
The colourful procession projected the diverse and rich Khasi tradition through folk music and tableaux depicting various facets of the simple yet rich and colourful indigenous lifestyle.
The “Ïaid Pyni Riti” procession started at Madan Iewrynghep and culminated at the Weiking Ground in Jaiaw, where traditional dances were held and special prayers were offered.
