Touch of ethnicity in Meghalaya festivities

SHILLONG: Christmas, one of the biggest festivals in the Christian-majority tribal state, was celebrated amidst religious fervor with a touch of ethnicity with the various indigenous communities having their own unique styles of observing the great day.

Prayers to the “infant” Christ, exchange of greetings and bonhomie marked Christmas in the hills, with people from all walks of life taking part in the festivities. Attired in their best, thousands attended the mid-night and candlelight mass and special prayer sessions in churches of various denominations across the state.

“Though essentially it is the same, there are some differences in the way Christmas is observed by different ethnic groups, marked by individual indigenous culture, heritage, cuisine and flavour,” said a priest.

“For example, in the Garo Hills, hymns are sung and prayers offered in the local language with the faithful, especially the women sporting their ethnic outfits. The same is true for indigenous communities, including Khasi, Jaintia and other smaller tribal groups in the state,” he added.

On the other hand, midnight vigil masses were held at all the churches in the state to herald in the advent of Jesus Christ.

State capital Shillong dazzling with lights as government and private buildings were illuminated for Christmas and to usher in the New Year. People from various communities and adhering to different religions thronged several churches in the capital city and elsewhere in the state on Christmas, which was also marked by men dressed as Santa Claus leading carol processions through the streets.

“We visit churches which are brightly illuminated. The children were delighted to see the decorations, including idols of infant Jesus in the Nativity scene,” said Sarita Chettri, a grandmother, visiting the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in the city on Christmas night.

Jesus Christ is also worshipped in keeping with traditional Hindu rituals at the Ramakrishna Mission every year with monks offering flowers and sweets to the ‘Saviour of mankind’ amidst Vedic chants.