Shillong, January 25, 2026: The Ninth Convention of the Synjuk ki Seng Rangbah Katholik, Shillong Archdiocese, Zone–1, held at Visitation Church, Mawprem, drew wide public attention as people gathered in large numbers to witness and participate in the culturally rich and spiritually meaningful event.
The convention saw the participation of six parishes—Mawkhar, Mawiong, Mawlai, Matawar, Mawprem and Pynthorumkhrah. A major highlight of the programme was a beautifully conceptualised cultural skit rooted in Khasi tradition and the spirit of friendship among the Hynñiewtrep community, symbolised through Kwai, Tympew, Shun and Duma.
Titled “U Kwai, u Tympew, ka Shun bad u Duma,” the skit was scripted and presented by the Catholic Men’s Association of Pynthorumkhrah Parish under the direction of Bah Ariston Mynsong. The performance vividly portrayed the deep-rooted Khasi values of friendship, unity and social bonding—values traditionally expressed during bereavement, celebrations and public gatherings through the sharing of kwai tympew along with shun and duma.
The skit explained the symbolism of each element: Kwai representing the betel nut, Tympew the betel leaf, Shun lime and Duma tobacco. Together, these signify mutual respect, cooperation and brotherly love among community members, transcending differences of wealth and social status.
Performed by the men of Pynthorumkhrah Parish, the presentation received an overwhelming response from the audience and was highly appreciated by dignitaries present, including Shillong North MLA Bah Adelbert Nongrum and church leaders such as Fr. Jameris Shylla, Chancellor of the Shillong Archdiocese.
Held on January 25, 2026, the programme echoed the theme of the Annual Meet of the Synjuk ki Seng Rangbah Katholik Zone–1, Shillong Archdiocese: “Love one another as brothers” (Romans 12:10). Through the skit, Christian love was expressed not merely through words but through lived tradition—blending Christian values seamlessly with Khasi cultural practices, where Kwai, Tympew, Shun and Duma stand as enduring symbols of fellowship, dialogue and communal harmony.
Addressing the gathering, Bah Adelbert Nongrum lauded the Catholic men for their role as responsible heads of families and communities, stressing that they are not merely men, but leaders who guide with love, patience and sacrifice.
