The 108th Seng Kut Snem

The Khasi community on this day commemorates the foundation of the Seng Khasi, a movement to preserve and conserve the Khasi belief, tradition and culture of the indigenous tribes. The celebration started with greetings to the ancestors of the community followed by a procession accompanied by tabloids depicting the culture of the people. Besides, folk songs, dances and instrumental music were played during the celebration.

Seng Khasi Assistant General Secretary Banteilang Rumnong said that the Seng Khasi was founded on November 23, 1899 when the British had started to dominate the community. He said that during those years culture and traditions of the Khasi started to dwindle. Therefore, under the leadership of 16 magnanimous men the movement was established with the sole aim to stand up for the community against the oppression of the British. “This was a day of renaissance and uprising to save the community from disappearing into oblivion,” Rumnong said.

Significance of the procession: A way to showcase the culture and tradition of the Khasis besides mobilizing the community to participate in it with zeal. At the Weiking ground the Lyngdoh (religious chief) of Sohbar Mestin Tymthai performed prayers for the people to invoke the Gods for a prosperous life.