HT Bureau
DIPHU, Jan 15: The Karbi community came together at Taralangso to celebrate Hacha Kekan, the traditional post-harvest festival, with ancestral songs, dances and rituals reflecting the deep agrarian roots of the tribe.
The central celebration was organised by the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) in association with various apex bodies.
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For the Karbis, who largely depend on jhum cultivation, the festival marks the completion of Sok Keroi, the ceremonial bringing of harvested paddy from the fields to the household.
After threshing and winnowing, village youth and men perform the Hacha Kekan dance, traditionally held through the night at the house where the grain is stored, accompanied by traditional food and rice brew served to elders.
According to folklore, the tradition was first introduced by Teron Rongsopo during a harvest at the home of Manik Bey and has since been passed down generations.
Inaugurating the programme at the KCS central committee office, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang stressed the need to preserve indigenous traditions and said such events help keep the younger generation connected to their cultural roots.
He also announced that following discussions with the chief minister, the state government has agreed to declare a four-day restricted holiday for the upcoming Karbi Youth Festival scheduled from February 15 to 19.
Addressing the gathering, KAAC executive member Surjyo Rongphar underlined the distinction between culture and religion, urging community members not to abandon their cultural identity irrespective of personal faith.
The programme featured performances by traditional singer John Teron, who rendered oral songs on village formation, the origin of paddy and the tradition of Lunse singing.
Cultural troupes presented the Hacha Kekan dance in the presence of dignitaries including MP Amarsing Tisso and MLA Darsing Ronghang.
Participants were also served traditional food items on wild leaves, including boiled tapioca, wild yam, rice flour preparations with jaggery and black tea in bamboo tubes. The celebrations concluded as a reaffirmation of the Karbi community’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage
