Seng Kut Snem celebrated in Shillong city today

The Seng Khasi community in Meghalaya today observed the Seng Kut Snem in Shillong. The festival is an annual event celebrated to mark the Seng Khasi Movement.

Seng Kut Snem is celebrated a day before the Khasi New Year.

The Khasi community is an indigenous group of people of Meghalaya and is the largest ethnic group in the state. Interestingly, the Khasi are one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world.

Taking to X (Formerly known as Twitter), Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma wrote, “‘Seng Kut Snem’ celebrates the Seng Khasi Movement and the efforts of the Seng Khasi to preserve, protect & uphold indigenous Khasi faith & culture. On its 124th foundation day, I extend my best wishes to the citizens of Meghalaya.”

The day brings together all the people of the community as they dress in their traditional attire, participate in song and dance and enjoy the day.

They participated in a procession, known as ‘Laid Pyni Riti’ proclaiming the dignity and solemnity of the indigenous Khasi faith and culture on occasion of the annual Seng Kut Snem.

Seng Kut Snem is celebrated to commemorate the might and vigour of the 16 young men who formed an organisation called the Khasi Young Men’s Association on November 23, 1899 to preserve and safeguard the indigenous ways of the Khasi people against the onslaught of the British.

The first anniversary celebration of the Khasi Young Men’s Association was called – “Seng Kut Snem”.

Since then, it is being celebrated every year to commemorate the movement.

Special prayers are offered by the Seng Khasi priests.

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