Dima Hasao: The Karbi community is predominantly found in the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts of Assam. They also inhabit areas like Kamrup, Marigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Karimganj, Lakhimpur and Sonitpur districts of Assam and in other States of North-East India like Arunachal Pradesh, Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya , Nagaland and Mizoram.
The entire Karbi Catholic Community of Meghalaya come together during the Christmas season, a practice which they began in the year 1982. This annual gathering of the Catholic community brings them together and acts as a focal event to grow in the Catholic faith, preserve their culture, language and renew ethnic bonds. There are a considerable number of Karbis in the parishes of Nongpho, Burnihat and Umden under the Archdiocese of Shillong.
In the words of Mr. Owen Longinus, “It is the Catholic Church which kept us together, helped us to preserve our cultures through education, faith formation and we believe it is truly God’s plan. The church has taught us to be socially committed, promoted teamwork in our villages and Churches and we can live for the Lord.”
Thanks to Fr. Peter Symlieh, the parish priest of Lumsinai parish in the Archdiocese of Shillong, the Holy Week functions were held in Karbi language for the Catholic Karbi community. The Karbis of Umden area gathered in two places for the services; Sacred Heart Church, Marmain and St. Joseph’s Church, Belkuri.
Mr. Keson Klein, an eminent leader of the Karbi Catholic community, emphasised the significance of Holy week, “After the long darkness of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are questioning the meaning of their lives and looking for answers. The answer is evident, it is in Christ, He is the light of our lives, it is Christ who gives every human heart the ultimate meaning of life and eternity and we reaffirm it through our celebration of Easter”.
The Easter Vigil, which is the holiest liturgy of the year, the mother of all vigils, began with the Liturgy of Light at Sacred Heart Church, Marmain. The new Paschal candle representing Christ, the light of the world was lit and taken to the Church in procession. The entire congregation renewed their baptismal promises and received a blessing with the newly blessed baptismal water. The Easter Vigil culminated with the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Easter Sunday liturgy was held in St. Joseph Church followed by a community meal. In the words of Lawrence Ingti, “The community meal is an important part of the celebration, the host village takes care of the arrangements and no contribution is sought from the guests. Every participant is given enough food to eat, this is certainly a wonderful example of ethnic communities in North East India. Community meals unite people and ethnic communities”.
It was amazing to watch the people pour their hearts and minds into every detail to make this Holy Week time meaningful and memorable. Thanks to the missionaries and the present leadership of the Archdiocese of Shillong they do their best to provide the best pastoral leadership to live the paschal mystery among the people. This was evident in the importance displayed by the people in the village as they took part in the celebrations. Almost everyone was present with their families on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter vigil on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.