The Khasi faith is an ancient, nature-rooted tradition practiced by the Khasi people, the major indigenous community of Meghalaya in North East India. The Khasis are nature-worshippers, and their religion is known as Niam Khasi or Ka Niam Khasi.

This faith is not an organized religion in the conventional sense, but rather a way of life—deeply interwoven with reverence for nature, respect for ancestors, and community ethics.

Khasi Religion

Core Beliefs

The Khasi religion sees divinity in the natural world. Forests, rivers, hills, and stones are considered sacred.

• Sacred Groves (Law Kyntang): Certain groves are protected as sacred spaces, never disturbed or exploited. These forests are central to Khasi spirituality, serving as places of worship and ancestral connection.
• Supreme God: They believe in U Blei Nongthaw, the supreme creator—maker of heaven, spirits, and ancestors.
• Ancestor Worship: Ancestors play a vital role in religious life. Rituals often include prayers to departed forebears for blessings and guidance. Respect for lineage is key, tied closely to the matrilineal system, where inheritance and identity pass through the mother’s line.

Rituals and Practices

• Niam Tynrai (The Rooted Religion): Refers to the original spiritual path of the Khasis. Animal sacrifices, such as goats or fowls, may be offered to honor ancestors or appease spirits.
• Ka Jingiaseng: Communal gatherings for prayers and religious songs, reinforcing unity and spiritual connection.
• U Suidnia: Priests or traditional religious leaders act as intermediaries between humans and the spiritual realm, conducting rites and ceremonies.

Philosophy of Life

At its heart, Khasi religion emphasizes harmony with nature and community. Two guiding principles are often quoted:

• Tip Kur Tip Kha: Righteous living through honesty and respect for kinship ties.
• Tip Briew Tip Blei: Recognizing both humanity and divinity, balancing material duties with spiritual responsibilities.

While many Khasis converted to Christianity in the 19th century under missionary influence, Niam Khasi continues to survive and thrive.

Preservation Efforts

The Seng Khasi movement, founded in 1899, has worked actively to preserve and promote Khasi indigenous religion, rituals, and cultural identity.

Today, Khasi faith is more than ritual—it is a living philosophy. In an age of ecological crisis, their reverence for sacred groves and sustainable living offers a timeless lesson: protect nature, honor ancestors, and recognize the divine in all creation.