HT Correspondent
KHERONI, Jan 30: The quiet night in Jeng Kro village came alive as locals gathered to celebrate Hacha Kekan, the traditional post-harvest festival of the Karbi community.
The atmosphere turned electric with the arrival of a vibrant troupe of young performers from neighbouring villages of Phelangpi and Rikangmihom. The group performed traditional songs and dances, marking the ritualistic welcoming of the harvest goddess, “Lakhimi.”
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Hacha Kekan is a significant cultural event celebrated after the reaping of golden grains from paddy fields or hilly Jhum (shifting) cultivation. Traditionally held at night, this year’s festivities took place at the residence of Rajen Teron, where the courtyard became a stage for Karbi folk songs narrating the toil of farmers and the bounty of nature. Youth in traditional attire performed rhythmic dances, drawing villagers of all ages.
While historically an intimate affair observed by individual households or specific villages, Hacha Kekan is increasingly celebrated across various regions of Karbi Anglong, transcending barriers of caste and religion. This trend is largely credited to the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), which works to preserve Karbi identity and bring indigenous art forms from private courtyards to public platforms for broader recognition.
The celebration in Jeng Kro reflects the enduring spirit of the Karbi people, blending age-old gratitude for the land with a modern drive to preserve their unique cultural identity.
