The indigenous Khasis believed that heaven and earth is connected by a navel and the two are linked with a metaphorical umbilical cord, a golden ladder symbolized by a tree atop a peak where the navel lies.
People adhering to the faith undertake this annual pilgrimage every year on the first Sunday of February.
This 'navel of heaven' is located atop the Sohpetbneng Peak (Umbilical Heavenly Peak), situated by the scenic Umiam Lake (Barapani), 16 km north from Shillong.
Legend has it that the Khasi race descended from Ki Hynniewtrep
