Devotees take out a religious procession in Shillong. File picture

Shillong, Nov. 22: The 112th Seng Kut Snem, foundation day of the Seng Khasi movement for protecting and preserving indigenous religion, culture and tradition of the Khasis, will be held tomorrow.

The Seng Khasi is the indigenous community in Meghalaya which follows traditional religious practices.

Seng Kut Snem is held every year by the followers of traditional religion, Niamtre, to commemorate the resistant movement of their forefathers against the alien culture.

Despite the invasion of Christianity and other religions, the Seng Khasis continue to profess their religion through these celebrations.

In 1899, 16 Khasi youths formed the Seng Khasi movement to take on the British and save the Khasi culture from getting diluted. The celebrations will begin with a prayer at Mawkhar Seng Khasi hall here and later the Khasi youths, men and women, attired in traditional dress, will take out a procession from Fire Brigade ground at Laitumkhrah and proceed through the streets of Shillong. It will end at Madan Weiking at Jaiaw where thanksgiving prayers will be offered.

Various tableaux depicting the culture of the Khasis will be showcased during the procession.

Folk songs, dances and musical performances will also be a part of the festival.

Seng Khasi leader Sweetymon Rynjah said the purpose of the annual festival was to inspire the people to preserve their indigenous religion and culture.

The festival will also remember the contribution of the 16 Khasi youths for their efforts in upholding the traditional religion in the face of alien cultures.