The Sieng Riti Institute in Wahkhen has been highly instrumental in preserving Khasi music, dance, and culture. Founded by Komik Khongjrem, it teaches traditional instruments, songs, and dances, inspiring new generations to appreciate their heritage.
The Sieng Riti Institute of Wahkhen stands as a testament to the power of music and the deep connection between culture and identity. Founded by the visionary Komik Khongjrem in 2002, the Institute is rooted in the desire to preserve and promote the traditional musical culture of the Khasi people, especially from the village of Wahkhen.
The story of the Sieng Riti Institute began in the early years of Khongjrem’s life. He witnessed from close quarters how traditional Khasi music was fading away in the face of modernisation and external influences such as western music and culture.
As a young man, he recognised the importance of preserving the musical heritage of his community and set out to make a difference. His efforts were first realised through his leadership of two talented musicians from Smit, who were originally from Wahkhen. Together, they began travelling and performing across the region, sharing the rich and diverse sounds of Wahkhen’s traditional music with others.
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In response to the growing need for a structured approach to cultural preservation, Khongjrem founded the Sieng Riti Institute. ‘Sieng Riti,’ in the local dialect, means ‘the essence of sound.’ It reflects the core mission of the Institute: to protect, teach, and celebrate the rich musical legacy of Wahkhen and the Khasi community overall.
Pynkhraw Khongwet, the grandson of Komik Khongjrem, began learning the traditional art form when he was just six years old. He has been part of the Sieng Riti Institute ever since. Today, he manages the school alongside his grandfather, and together, they continue to teach young students and aspiring artists the rich traditions of Khasi music. Their mission is not only limited to preserving their cultural heritage but also to raise awareness about this important art form by sharing it with a wider audience.
The Sieng Riti Institute holds classes every Sunday for students to learn a wide range of traditional Khasi musical instruments. Among the instruments taught are the Bom (big drum), Ksingkynthei (female drum), Ksingshyngrang (male drum), Tangmuri (flute pipe), Padiah (small drum), Duitara (four-stringed guitar), and Bisli (flute), to name a few.
In addition to music, the institute also offers lessons in traditional dance forms and songs. Currently, around 120 students attend the Sieng Riti Institute, continuing the legacy of preserving and carrying forward the Khasi culture.
Pressland Marbaniang learned the art of Shna Ksing (instrument making) from his father, who, in turn, had inherited these skills from his forefathers. He now runs a small workshop, S Malngiang, next to the football field in Wahkhen. There, he and his three employees create a range of traditional Khasi instruments based on customer orders, including the Bom (big drum), Ksingshyngrang (male drum), Ksingkynthei (female drum), Duitara, and Bisli. In addition to crafting instruments, Pressland teaches at the Sieng Riti Institute, where he also repairs damaged instruments.
The musicians from the Sieng Riti Institute also perform at various festivals and events. Their most recent performance was at the Winter Tale Festival in Shillong, where they captivated the audience with a 50-minute set. The institute is open to bookings and always eager to share the rich cultural heritage of Khasi music with the world.
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The thumbnail shows students learning traditional Khasi music at The Sieng Riti Institute in Wahkhen.
Atiqur Rahman is a Delhi-based photographer who hails from Nagaland.
