HT Correspondent
KHERONI, Jan 20: The vibrant cultural tapestry of West Karbi Anglong came alive on Monday night as the Karbi community celebrated Hacha Kekan, the traditional post-harvest festival, at Kheroni Chariali with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour.
Hacha Kekan is a significant cultural tradition of the Karbi community, marking the successful harvest of golden paddy from the plains and jhum (shifting) cultivation on the hills. Traditionally, the festival symbolises the ritualistic welcome of the goddess of wealth and harvest into the granaries and homes of the community.
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While Hacha Kekan was earlier celebrated mainly within individual villages or private households, the scale of the festival has witnessed a notable transformation over the years. Under the leadership of the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), concerted efforts have been made to bring the festival onto public platforms with the aim of preserving indigenous heritage and showcasing Karbi culture on a wider stage.
This transition to public celebrations has significantly increased the popularity of Hacha Kekan across both hill districts, where it has emerged as a major cultural event and a symbol of regional identity.
In keeping with age-old customs, the main celebrations were held after nightfall. The atmosphere at Kheroni Chariali resonated with ancient folk songs, rhythmic drumbeats and vibrant energy as community members performed synchronised traditional dances in colourful ethnic attire.
The festival also witnessed participation from people belonging to different castes and religious backgrounds, highlighting a growing sense of unity and communal harmony in the district.
The celebration at Kheroni Chariali stood as a testament to the Karbi community’s commitment to preserving and nurturing their ancestral traditions while adapting to the modern world.
