Mythology and Legends
Belief & Religious Diversity
Meghalaya have largely embraced modern ways of living and modern belief systems, but they still identify with and honour the tribal traditions they come from. The Khasis traditionally follow Niam Khasi, an indigenous faith centered on reverence for nature, ancestral spirits, and cosmic balance. The core philosophy is expressed in the triad: Tip Briew Tip Blei (Know Man, Know God), which emphasizes moral conduct, community harmony, and a deep connection between the human and the divine. Sacred forests (Law Kyntang), monoliths, and festivals like Shad Suk Mynsiem reflect this enduring worldview. While many Khasis have adopted Christianity, rituals such as offerings to ancestral spirits, respect for matrilineal customs, and sacred dances are still practiced and preserved, especially in rural areas and by adherents of the Seng Khasi movement.
In the Jaintia Hills, the Niamtre faith guides the spiritual life of many Jaintias. Rooted in a matrilineal structure, Niamtre blends animism with ancestral worship and the veneration of natural elements like rivers, hills, and sacred groves. Ritual specialists, or priests known as Lyngdoh, conduct seasonal rites and clan-based ceremonies. Festivals like Behdeinkhlam, a vibrant and symbolic event, aim to drive away disease and misfortune while strengthening social bonds. Although a significant number of Jaintias have embraced Christianity, traditional practices remain deeply embedded in community life, often coexisting with modern religious beliefs.
In the Garo Hills, the indigenous religion known as Songsarek (or Song-Dokgipa) continues to be observed by many. It centers on worshipping nature spirits (Misi Saljong, Tatara Rabuga, and others) and maintaining harmony between the seen and unseen worlds. The rituals are often conducted by a village priest or Nokma, who serves as both a spiritual and administrative leader. Offerings are made to appease forest spirits and protect communities from illness and misfortune. Despite the spread of Christianity, which is now the dominant faith among the Garos, the Songsarek revival movement is gaining momentum, particularly in rural pockets, where the younger generation seeks to reconnect with ancestral practices and oral traditions.
Meghalaya have largely embraced modern ways of living and modern belief systems, but they still identify with and honour the tribal traditions they come from. The Khasis traditionally follow Niam Khasi, an indigenous faith centered on reverence for nature, ancestral spirits, and cosmic balance. The core philosophy is expressed in the triad: Tip Briew Tip Blei (Know Man, Know God), which emphasizes moral conduct, community harmony, and a deep connection between the human and the divine. Sacred forests (Law Kyntang), monoliths, and festivals like Shad Suk Mynsiem reflect this enduring worldview. While many Khasis have adopted Christianity, rituals such as offerings to ancestral spirits, respect for matrilineal customs, and sacred dances are still practiced and preserved, especially in rural areas and by adherents of the Seng Khasi movement.
In the Jaintia Hills, the Niamtre faith guides the spiritual life of many Jaintias. Rooted in a matrilineal structure, Niamtre blends animism with ancestral worship and the veneration of natural elements like rivers, hills, and sacred groves. Ritual specialists, or priests known as Lyngdoh, conduct seasonal rites and clan-based ceremonies. Festivals like Behdeinkhlam, a vibrant and symbolic event, aim to drive away disease and misfortune while strengthening social bonds. Although a significant number of Jaintias have embraced Christianity, traditional practices remain deeply embedded in community life, often coexisting with modern religious beliefs.
In the Garo Hills, the indigenous religion known as Songsarek (or Song-Dokgipa) continues to be observed by many. It centers on worshipping nature spirits (Misi Saljong, Tatara Rabuga, and others) and maintaining harmony between the seen and unseen worlds. The rituals are often conducted by a village priest or Nokma, who serves as both a spiritual and administrative leader. Offerings are made to appease forest spirits and protect communities from illness and misfortune. Despite the spread of Christianity, which is now the dominant faith among the Garos, the Songsarek revival movement is gaining momentum, particularly in rural pockets, where the younger generation seeks to reconnect with ancestral practices and oral traditions.