📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ramesh Lalwani
Religion
Rabha families urge Assam government to rebuild century‑old namghar in Meghalaya
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 01 Nov 2026, 04:37 AM
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Around 270 Rabha families have appealed to the Assam government to restore a century‑old namghar located in Meghalaya, citing its deteriorating condition and cultural importance.
The Rabha community, numbering about 270 families, has formally requested the Assam government to undertake the reconstruction of a namghar that is more than a hundred years old and situated in Meghalaya. The prayer hall, a focal point for religious gatherings and cultural events, has reportedly fallen into disrepair, prompting concerns over the loss of heritage.
Community leaders highlighted the namghar's role in preserving Rabha traditions and expressed that its dilapidated state hampers regular worship and community activities. They have appealed for financial and technical assistance, urging the neighboring state of Assam—where many Rabha families reside—to intervene.
As of now, the Assam administration has not issued a public response. Local officials in Meghalaya have acknowledged the plea but indicated that any reconstruction would require inter‑state coordination and allocation of resources.
The Rabha families remain hopeful that the appeal will translate into concrete action, emphasizing that restoring the namghar is essential for safeguarding their cultural identity.
The situation underscores broader challenges faced by minority communities in maintaining heritage structures across state borders in India.
Community leaders highlighted the namghar's role in preserving Rabha traditions and expressed that its dilapidated state hampers regular worship and community activities. They have appealed for financial and technical assistance, urging the neighboring state of Assam—where many Rabha families reside—to intervene.
As of now, the Assam administration has not issued a public response. Local officials in Meghalaya have acknowledged the plea but indicated that any reconstruction would require inter‑state coordination and allocation of resources.
The Rabha families remain hopeful that the appeal will translate into concrete action, emphasizing that restoring the namghar is essential for safeguarding their cultural identity.
The situation underscores broader challenges faced by minority communities in maintaining heritage structures across state borders in India.