Sohra, Nov 5: After 1926, Sohra witnessed a historic day on Wednesday with the funeral of Hima Sohra Syiem Freeman Sing Syiem.
It took 99 years to accord a ceremonial funeral to the Khasi chieftain.
Normal life came to a standstill in Sohra as people spontaneously came out in large numbers, braving rain throughout the day, to pay tribute to the departed soul of their chief, who passed away at the age of 81 after serving the people for over 40 years.
In the morning, the specially decorated casket with bier containing the mortal remains of the Syiem was taken out in procession from his ancestral home at Pdengshnong to Marai Kaphon ground, where a commemorative service was held attended by the late Syiem’s mynrtis and executive members, besides political and locality leaders, who praised the contribution of the Syiem.
During the procession, silver coins were thrown, which were collected by the people who accompanied the mortal remains.
Songs, traditional dances and intermittent gun salutes marked the occasion.
Elaborate rituals were followed at the burial ground known as Ka Kper Syiem Sohra, close to Pomsohmen stream, where the mortal remains of the late chieftain were cremated.
The new Syiem of Sohra, Marremdor Syiem, said after his uncle passed away on October 31, a meeting of the Dorbar was held on November 3 to pay a befitting tribute to the late leader.
The secretary of Hima Sohra, BV Rymmai, recalled the contribution of the late Syiem and added that it was a historic occasion.
The last Syiem to get the ceremonial funeral was Roba Sing Syiem in 1926.
Before this, the mortal remains of two more Syiems- Soobah Sing Syiem ( 1857) and Ram Sing Syiem (1908) were created at Pomsohmen.
There has been an interruption to accord royal cremation to the Syiems since 1926, as there was an instance of a Syiem converting to Christianity.
Earlier, among others who spoke at the commemorative function were myntris, bakhraws, leaders of Hima Mylliem and Khyrim, Sohra Sub-Divisional Officer Mark Andrew Challam, local MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, MDC TW Chyne, and KHADC Executive Member Powell Sohkhlet.
Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai was also present.
