HT Bureau
DIPHU, Feb 5: Lokhimon Karcho – commemorating the birth of the Lokhimon faith was celebrated by the believers of Lokhimon on Sunday. The annual Lokhimon Karcho is celebrated for five days starting from February 3 to 7.
The Lokhimon faith was founded by priest Lokhon Engti Hansek at Bapuram Tokbi village, Dolamara in Karbi Anglong district in Assam. The headquarters is at No 2 Dolamara near Bapuram Tokbi village.
It first spread in various parts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong and reached other districts like in Tezpur, North Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and in Arunachal Pradesh.
As told by one of the believers of the Lokhimon faith Ronjit Teron, it has 113 Lokhimon ativan (temples) with more than 60,000 believers. There are four ashrams: the first is at No 2 Dolamara, near Bapuram Tokbi village, second is at Japralangso, third is at Kokila, Arunachal Pradesh and fourth is at Rongnagar, Bakulia. The Asharams are also called as Dovan Longri Anei.
At Inglongchingri Lokhimon adovan here, the celebration started with kangthir methek kepi – (joy goh) by priest Khorsing Hanse, which saw active participation of the devotees including men, women, youth and children. In the morning, tools, appliances and vehicles were washed and marks (vermilion) were put on it. Children and other family members sought blessings from parents. The devotees were dressed in their prescribed religious attire. The dress codes for women, men and youths have separate colours for differentiation.
The old Lokhimon flags were removed and replaced with a new one in every home. At the temple the new Lokhimon flag was put up by removing the old one. The devotees brought home prepared edible items and fruits to the temple priests for blessing. Deceased persons were remembered during the celebration.
The worship of Lokhimon which was held in the later part of the day was also joined by devotees with songs going in circles around the sacred fire.
Assistant secretary of Inglong Chingri Pokemon adovan, Sarsing Timung said, “It is a faith not only for the Karbis, but can be accepted by all. In Lokhimon there is no practice of caste system and all are treated equally.” He also said in Lokhimon women get equal opportunity as men. The women can take the lead in prayers. The Lokhimon faith teaches about love and kindness toward fellow beings including animals and birds.
