The 25th annual pilgrimage to Seng Khasi Kimi U Lum Sohpetbaneng
Seng Khasi Kimi organized the 25th annual pilgrimage to the sacred peak, U Lum Sohpetbaneng (Navel of Heaven), on February 4. Revived in the year 2000, the event has become one of the most important religious ceremonies for the Khasi people, who believe they are descendants of U Hyniewtrep Hyniewsawa (The Seven Huts).
During the pilgrimage, elders perform rituals and offer prayers, seeking blessings for the believers. Sacred rice and water are distributed, and followers individually pray at the sanctum sanctorum, Ka Duwan Ka Dupat Sohpetbaneng.
In Khasi indigenous faith, Lum Sohpetbaneng, meaning “Navel of Heaven”, holds deep significance as the point from which humanity descended from the heavenly realm. Before the pilgrimage, traditional ceremonies take place at Lum Dorbar, Longongthroh and Mei Mawbuh, culminating at the altar of the sacred Lum Sohpetbaneng. The Lehniyam Shi Hat Shi Taiv ritual, held a week before, is believed to provide divine guidance and validate prayers.
Organized by Seng Khasi Kimi, this tradition symbolizes a deeply rooted ancestral practice that symbolizes a journey to reconnect with the origins and teachings of the Khasi indigenous faith that lead to the fundamental identity of the Khasi people.
The inaugural pilgrimage in 1999, led by respected elders such as (the late) Sumar Sing Savian and (the late) Mistin Timathai, as well as visionary figures such as Dipshon L Nongbri, laid the foundation for the preservation and expansion of the Khasi indigenous faith through rituals , shaped its future. generations.
Traditionally, elders such as U Timen U San begin the pilgrimage with a prayer for blessings at the entrance before proceeding to the sacred hill. After this initial prayer, they continue their journey towards the hill revered as the navel towards heaven.
Upon reaching Lum Sohpetbaneng, the elders, including U Timemen U San, pray at the altar and perform rituals to consecrate it. These ceremonies aimed at blessing people and protecting the land are intended to ensure the continued well-being of their community on earth. Today, the belief persists that the path to heaven lies in maintaining a clear and pure heart and soul.
