Rituals, prayers and celebrations of Hega, one of the most revered and significant festivals celebrated by the Zeliang community, will begin on Friday at Peren village.

Laced with rituals and merry-making, Hega is a celebration of thanksgiving and for seeking blessings for a prosperous year ahead. It is also a time for rest and get-together with siblings and friends before the year’s works commence.

During the 5-day long festival, engaged to be married couples hold a high stature as rituals and prayers are dedicated to them to purify and sanctify their souls.

Day-1: Hegateu day

The festival begins with the butchering of animals in every household for a grand feast with their near and dear ones. Some households jointly butcher an animal and share its meat.

In the evening, the family of the bride-to-be hosts the groom-to-be in a ritual called ‘leadi’.

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Day-2: Hariekap

Traditionally on the second day, the gate keeper of the main gate says a sacred prayer to the almighty to protect his village. He then wanders into the forest and chops down a tree picked by the almighty, which he carves into the shape of the hornbill and then places at the village gate.

This day is marked by traditional howling (nro) by boys who try to pierce the heart of the freshly carved hornbill.  If they are successful in their endeavour, it signifies good luck for the rest of the year.

Day-3: Tsingrak

On this day, a bride-to-be and other girls go to the forest in the early hours to chop wood. The fresh firewood is split into small pieces and the barks removed.

In the evening, the soon-to-be-married girl, dressed in complete traditional attire leads the village folk to the main gate carrying the ‘Nkangkie’, two identical pieces of wood that the shaped and painted by the men folk. The ‘Nkangkie’ signifies the girl’s purity and virginity.

Day-4: Rodi

On the fourth day, the men folk gathers at the hallowed ground located at the centre of the village to participate in traditional wrestling and long jump competitions.

Day-5: Kwaksui

This is the most important day of Hega festival. The menfolk along with young girls dressed in their best traditional attire sing and dance, showcasing the rich culture heritage of the Peren community. Various songs and dance steps are performed at the hallowed ground for guests who have come from neighbouring areas to witness the vibrant culture.