The Khasi Seng Kut Snem festival, celebrated by the indigenous Khasia people, will begin from today in Sylhet.
The Khasi community had earlier announced that this year's Khasi Seng Kut Snem festival would not take place due to financial difficulties. However, the festival to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one is now happening, bringing joy to the community.
The Khasi Social Council, the festival's organizer, said that the event is being held with support from the Chief Adviser’s Relief and Welfare Fund and the local administration. As in previous years, the Magurchhara Khasiapunji in Kamalganj and Moulvibazar, will be adorned with festive decorations.
Khasi Social Council General Secretary Phila Potmi explained that the community primarily earns its livelihood from betel leaf cultivation and trade, which has faced a downturn this year. Initially, the festival was canceled due to financial challenges. However, following media reports on the issue, they received a call from the Adviser’s Office, and both Kamalganj and Sreemangal upazila administrations pledged their support. A representative collected the financial assistance check from Dhaka, and the Khasi community expressed gratitude to the government for its all-out support.
Nearly 70 Khasi villages from the Sylhet division participate in the festival each year, along with tourists from home and abroad. Khasi community member Saju Marciang said, the announcement that the festival would not happen was disheartening. This event brings our community together, allowing everyone to meet and celebrate. Knowing it will now take place is a source of great joy.
During the festival, the Khasi people wear traditional attire and showcase their rich history and culture through dance and music. They also depict their primary livelihood practices, such as jhum cultivation, through performances. The day-long event includes activities like fishing, traditional games, cultural performances, and enjoying traditional foods. The festival serves as an occasion for strengthening social bonds, accompanied by a traditional fair where the Khasi community displays and sells diverse products, including traditional clothing, betel leaves, bows, arrows, and bamboo crafts.
Sreemangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abu Taleb said, we always support such events by indigenous communities. When we heard that the Khasi festival was not happening, we reached out and assured them of our assistance to ensure that the event would proceed.
