Hega’ngi Festival of Zeme Community Celebrated with Grandeur at Haflong

 

Haflong, December 30: The Zeme community’s prime festival, Hega’ngi, has begun with traditional fervour and gaiety in Haflong through a vibrant three-day programme that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the tribe.

The festivities began with a large gathering of Zeme people at Lodiram Kelumki in Lodi near Haflong, where prayers were offered to Tin Wang, the leader of the sky, seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest. On the opening day, community members presented their best jhum produce at the temple, expressing gratitude for nature’s abundance.

The second day was marked by traditional games, sports, and merry-making. Winners of the competitions invited fellow villagers to their homes, where meat and Ju (rice beer) were served in the customary manner, reinforcing the spirit of hospitality and togetherness.

On the concluding day, youths went house to house, dancing and singing to seek blessings from elders. As a symbolic gesture of goodwill, threads were tied around the wrists of children. The festival also saw guests being felicitated with traditional shawls and mufflers, reflecting the warmth of Zeme hospitality.

 

The celebration of Hega’ngi highlights the Zeme community’s enduring commitment to preserving its traditions, folklore, songs, dances, and agricultural rituals. Alongside Hega’ngi, the Zemes observe several other agrarian festivals such as Heleibambe, Nehang Bam, Puakpal, and Siami, all of which embody their deep connection with nature and farming practices.

The three-day event not only reinforced cultural pride but also showcased the distinctive identity of the Zeme people, who continue to uphold the glory of their traditions in the modern era.

P.  Zeme, Retired Cultiral Development Officer talking to the narrated the aims and objective of the festival at length.