Christianity is the most followed religion by the tribes of North East India. However, Christmas celebration in North East India has very unique characteristics as the tribals of NE India mix their local tradition with it. In this blog, we discuss the unique Christmas celebration in Meghalaya by the Garo tribe. Christmas celebration by Garo tribe use a custom which is essentially practised by followers of Hinduism i.e. Song Kritton.
What is Song Kritton/Kirtan?
Song Kritton is a practice of singing religious theme songs using beats of drum and cymbal. It is sometimes pronounced as ‘Song Kirton’ or simply as ‘Kirtan’. The practice originated during the Bhakti movement of Hinduism and made popular by Sankardeva, the pioneer of Bhakti movement in Assam. Followers of Hinduism organise Song Kirton to hear religious songs and stories. It is widely practised in the state of Assam and Manipur. Song Krittan borrows itself from the word ‘kirtan’, which is a form of religious performance connoting a musical form of narration or shared recitation, particularly of spiritual or religious ideas.
Why It Is Used During Christmas Celebration in Meghalaya?
The culture of Garo tribe of Meghalaya and Assam is deeply influenced by the mainstream Hindu culture of Assam. The garo tribe has inculcated the use of Sang Kritton/Kirtan since the start of Bhakti movement. They have been using this practice to celebrate various festivals of Garo tribe. Upon conversion to Christianity, they did not abandon this tradition and mixed it with the celebration of Christmas. Hindu devotional songs (kirtan) evolved and became known as Song Kritton.
How Is It Celebrated?
For the Garo tribe of North Garo Hills of Meghalaya, Christmas is a month-long affair. Traditionally, they welcome the Christmas season about a month before the Christmas Day (December 25). Song Krittan marks end of Christmas celebrations in Garo Hills. Marking the end of Christmas celebrations through devotional songs and dance is a centuries-old tradition in the region. They danced and sang throughout their journey to the venue of celebration. The event starts at 11 am till 6 pm with non-stop singing and dancing by the revellers . This traditional form of celebration first started in the North Garo Hills and gradually spread to other parts of the region.
Village of Bangsi Apal in North Garo Hills is known for this special custom, even though other villages also perform Sang Kritton. The one at village Bangsi Apal is open to all. This celebration attract people coming from far-off places like Tura, Baghmara and Shillong, while many Garos from nearby Assam also flocked to the venue to partake in the festivities.
