Khasis are believed to be the remnants of the first Mongolian overflow into India. They inhabit and dominate Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya - a state popular as the ‘abode of the clouds’.
The Khasi community is a unique study of a society matrilineal in descent, a structure otherwise almost non-existent in the world today. This feature forms the quintessence of the society, permeating all aspects - the religious and cultural practices, social fabric and the ritual world. Withstanding the test of time and the winds of change, the tenacity of the core Khasi ideology has enabled the integration of Christianity into their lives without radically changing their society and cultural identity.
Legend has it that the divine connection between the Khasis on earth was once severed with those in heaven. Since then, they have been trying to re-establish this connection through various efforts. The importance of origin of people in this quest to unite with their fellow beings is what led the tribe to revere the female form, a source of origin of all life on earth…
The film will delve on this aspect of the community that essentially dictates their way of life, while studying the deeply animistic traditions and customs common to the indigenous people of the northeast. The film will also explore the impact of Christianity on their lives today and for the future generation.
The film will also cover the festivals and dances focusing on the activities of men and women symbolic of their role in the society. A perfect example is the shad suk mynsiem or the dance of the happy hearts where young virgins dance across a large square area surrounded by men who are thought to protect them from evil spirits. The girls make rythmic movements rolling their feet from heels to toes as if they are trying to soak up the energy of the mother earth. It is believed that as grown up women they draw from this energy while discharging their vital role in the society. The men, however, symbolically discharge their role of protecting their clan in the event of war.