Saipung, Jan 13, 2025: The Biate Community Organization of Meghalaya (BCOM) on January 12 celebrated the Nul Ding Kut Festival, the annual harvest festival of the Biate community, with traditional zeal and cultural pride at Saipung in Meghalaya.
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| Chief Guest Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of Sutnga–Saipung delivering Speech |
The programme was graced by Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of Sutnga–Saipung, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Manish Kumar, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Sadar, East Jaintia Hills district; Lalwilliam Theite, MDC, Saipung–Nongkhlieh; S. Paslein, Additional Superintendent of Police, along with BCOM office bearers, traditional heads, representatives of civil society organisations and members of the public.
The celebrations were marked by vibrant traditional dances, melodious folk songs and the narration of folk stories, reflecting the rich cultural heritage, unity and collective gratitude of the Biate people.
Nul Ding Kut, which translates to “Festival of Renewal of Life,” is one of the most significant and cherished festivals of the Biate Tribe. Observed at the completion of the agricultural cycle, the festival expresses deep gratitude for nature’s abundance and the blessings of a successful harvest.
Beyond festivity, the occasion represents a conscious effort to revive, preserve and promote the community’s cultural legacy. The festival serves as an important platform for the expression, documentation and transmission of traditional values, customs and artistic practices.
Through indigenous music, dances and cultural performances, Nul Ding Kut highlights the distinct identity of the Biate people and plays a crucial role in inter-generational knowledge transfer, enabling elders and cultural practitioners to guide and educate younger members of the community.
The festival also showcased traditional crafts such as bamboo work, weaving and indigenous handicrafts—skills largely preserved by women artisans. These practices not only sustain cultural continuity but also encourage younger generations to reconnect with their roots amid rapid modernisation.
