West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya – The 36th Seng Khihlang (Tien Phira / Lumphung), a cornerstone indigenous spiritual gathering of the Khasi-Pnar (Jaintia) community, wrapped up successfully on April 19 after three vibrant days at Sein Raij Muthlong in West Jaintia Hills district. Launched in 1981 with just 30-40 participants, the event has swelled into a massive congregation drawing lakhs of faithful, embodying cultural continuity, identity, and spiritual resilience.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sunil Mohanty, Assam Kshetra Prachar Pramukh of RSS placed indigenous traditions of the Northeast within the larger civilizational framework of Bharat. To understand the essence of ancient Bharat, one must look towards the Northeast, where traditions continue to thrive in their most organic and spiritual forms, Dr. Mohanty emphasized.
Recalling Meghalaya’s historical legacy, he referred to early rulers such as Urmi Rani (c. 600–630 CE), Krishak Pator, Hatak, and Guhak, he spotlighted Meghalaya’s storied past, invoking early rulers like Urmi Rani (c. 600–630 CE), Krishak Pator, Hatak, and Guhak. Mohanty also traced the Jaintia Kingdom’s legacy, with Jaintiapur as its capital until British annexation in 1835, and lauded kings such as Prabhat Ray Syiem (1500–1516), Laxmi Sinha (1670–1701)—who built the Jayant Rajbadi in 1680—and the final ruler, Rajendra Singh Syiem (1832–1835).
Paying tribute to the struggle against colonial rule and sacrifices made by U Tirot Sing (c. 1802–1835), U Kiang Nangbah (1836–1862), and Pa Togan Sangma (d. 1872), acknowledging their sacrifices in defending sovereignty and identity, Mohanty celebrated the region’s megalithic menhirs and dolmens as ancient civilization markers. Referring to the megalithic traditions of menhirs and dolmens as enduring symbols of an ancient civilization. He also spoke about the spiritual significance of the Nartiang Durga Temple and the Jaintia Shaktipeeth in present-day Bangladesh.He cited Meghalaya’s 3,000 year-old iron-smelting tradition as proof of sophisticated indigenous knowledge.
Philosophical Unity in Diversity
Dr Mohanty stressed a unifying philosophy across Northeast faiths—from Nyishi and Apatani to Galo, Mishings, and Kacharis—all revere the Panch Bhutas (earth, water, fire, air, sky). Quoting the Rig Veda’s “Eko’ham Bahusyamah” (I am One, may I become many), he reframed diversity not as Western-style division, but as unity’s natural expression, where plurality fortifies the whole, explaining that diversity is an expression of the One manifesting in multiple forms. He emphasized that in the Bharatiya worldview, diversity is not seen as division or difference as often interpreted in Western thought, but as an intrinsic expression of unity itself, where plurality strengthens, rather than fragments, the whole.
Describing indigenous faith traditions as the Mother or the foundational source of world’s modern civilisations and organised religions, he stated that just as the river Ganga depends on its origin at Gangotri, modern religions and civilizations are rooted in indigenous traditions, and their decline would impact the entire world’s cultural and spiritual balance. He also referred to the International Council for Cultural Studies (ICCS), which brings together representatives of more than 40 indigenous traditions globally, including Māori, Aboriginal, Aztec, and Zulu communities, to explore shared spiritual values and common heritage with the ethos that “All are One.”
In the context of the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Dr. Mohanty emphasized the need for “Panch Parivartan” like preservation of family values, environmental protection, social harmony, promotion of selfhood, and adherence to civic duties. He also highlighted the core principles of Niam Khasi such as “Tip briew tip blei” (to know humanity is to know God), “Tip kur tip kha,” and “Kamai ia ka hok” (earn righteousness), underlining that true spirituality is reflected in conduct, compassion, and selfless service.
Vibrant Three-Day Program and Stellar Attendance
The event unfolded dynamically: Day 1 featured delegate arrivals and a ceremonial Mawbynna (monolith) procession; Day 2 brought installation rites, awareness sessions, and prayers; Day 3 capped it with a grand finale. Over 30 Sein Raij and Seng Khasi units enlivened proceedings with traditional songs and dances.
Dignitaries included Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar; Ministers Wailadmiki Shylla and Sanbor Shullai; MLA Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah; JHADC Deputy CEM Laski Rymbai; and members Sooki Lapasam and Rikut Parien. Traditional heads like Dollois of Shangpung, Raliang, Jowai, and Nangbah Elakas joined officials from various departments.
The 36th Seng Khihlang ended on a high note of unity, cultural pride, and resolve: preserving indigenous roots is key to a harmonious, spiritually grounded society.
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