SHILLONG, NOV 12: An ancient Nongkrem dance festival of the Khasi tribals ended at Smit village, the headquarters and capital of the erstwhile Khasi state , 15 km south from the state capital, amidst pomp, joy and faithful fervour.
Similar to all other indigenous festivals of tribals in the state, the festival is performed to appease the all-powerful Goddess, Ka Blei Synshar, for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people.
The five-day long religious festival takes place at the ‘Iing Sad’ (thatched palace), the royal abode of the Syiem Sad, Queen Mother or High Priestess of the state of Khyrim.
The Syiem (King) of Khyrim along with the high priest performs the Pomblang ceremony, where a goat is sacrificed to appease the Lei Shyllong; the god of Shillong peak and also to the ancestors and ancestress of the ruling clan.
The religious part of the festival precedes dances, in which unmarried girls in all their exotic costumes participate.
Attired in their majestic and traditional regalia, young men also take to the dancing arena in front of the Iing Sad (thatched palace). They hold swords and white Yak hair whisks in their hands, keeping time to the changing beats of drums and haunting tunes of the tangmuri (pipes).
As people come from all over the state of Khyrim, little markets spring up in the field outside the Iing Sad compound adding to the revelry.
Dressed in their best, people throng the dancing arena and the adjoining hills where a colourful fair, featuring local handicrafts and delicacies is held on the occasion every year.
Over the years, the Nongkrem Dance has been attracting a large number of tourists, both domestic and foreign.
Attired in his majestic regalia, the Syiem (King) of Khyrim, Dr Balajied Syiem presided over the festival.
The Hima Khyrim has always been a bastion of Khasi culture. The Pomblang (goat sacrifice) and the Shad Nongkrem (Nongkrem dance) have been organized in the same manner for hundreds of years even before the recorded years of 1831 AD.
The festival was also witnessed by Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and KHADC chief Titosstar Well Chyne in presence of the other state dignitaries.
“The festival showcases the rich culture and tradition of the indigenous Khasi people,” Lyngdoh said. He also lauded the Hima Khyrim for organizing the festival every year.
Chyne on the other hand assured full support to the Hima Khyrim for development of the place to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people.
By Our Reporter
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