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Some 25 kilometres from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, Mount Lumsohptbneng rises 3500 feet, (1066 metres). This mountain is the most sacred place of the Khasi religion. At the summit is a terraced ceremonial platform where, once a year on the 5th of February, the most important festival in the Khasi calendar is held.  The two terraced platforms are built amongst the topmost rock-slabs of the mountain. Here we see the men's ritual. Ladies are assembling on the lower terrace preparing to replace the male congregation for the women's ceremony. The grey-suited deacon stands centrally. |
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The Sixteen Huts.
In Khasi mythology the people came from 16 'Huts', (Mansions, clans, tribes), all resident in Heaven but able to descend to Earth, by way of the Sacred Vine which grew from the peak of Lumsohptbneng, in order to tend and care for the garden of the Earth. At some time seven of the clans were guilty of hubris and the Sacred Vine was cut down stranding these seven Huts on Earth. Since then the Vine has only risen on one day of the year to re-establish the Heavenly link. This day is the 5th of February. On this day ceremonies are performed invoking the Heavenly power to descend to Earth and imbue several large baskets of rice with virtue. When this puja is completed the Blessed Rice is distributed in small handfuls to the people to keep for ever as a sacred relic. |
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The Lyndoh.
The rituals open with the white turbaned priests, Lyndoh, calling loud and fierce to the heavens. 
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| The opening phase of the puja is attended by men only, without shoes, standing closely around the Lyndoh, the rice baskets and the stone cairn on the topmost terrace of the site.
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| The dancers.
After the men's ritual the congregation members were replaced by ladies for further solemn incantations. When the prayers were over, on a roped- off space immediately adjacent to the ritual platform, a troupe of young dancers performed several circular dances, accompanied by string and wind instruments.. These were mainly slow, stately dances which show to great effect the elaborate costumes and headdresses. |
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The spectators continued to watch with the same solemn intent as during the prayer ritual. 
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| More Meghalayan pages:
Lumsohpetbneng 2. Lumsohpetbneng 3. Noncet Market. Nartiang Market. Cherrapunjee. Laitkynsew. |
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