SHILLONG, NOV 2: The five-day Shad Nongkrem — the ancient dance festival of the Khasi tribe — culminated on Sunday at the Iing Sad in Smit, the erstwhile capital of Hima Khyrim, 15 km from Shillong.
Performed annually to appease Ka Blei Synshar for a rich harvest and prosperity, the festival began with the sacred Pomblang Nongkrem ceremony where the Syiem of Khyrim and the high priest sacrifice a goat to propitiate Lei Shyllong, the deity of Shillong Peak, and the ancestors of the Syiem clan.
The ritual was followed by vibrant dances. Young virgin maidens in colourful traditional attire and young men in full regalia, wielding swords and Yak-hair chowries, danced in front of the Iing Sad to drum beats and tangmuri.
The sprawling field outside turned into a festive fair with stalls of handicrafts and local delicacies drawing crowds from across Khyrim and tourists, both domestic and foreign.
Syiem of Hima Khyrim, Dr Balajied S Syiem, who presided over the festival in his royal regalia, said, “We have preserved and nurtured the rich legacy of traditional dances bequeathed to us by our ancestors. There is an urgent need to safeguard our roots despite changes in the modern world.”
Flagging financial constraints, he said, “Despite problems with finance, we are grateful that for the past 10 years the tourism ministry…has provided funds. We are hopeful the grant will increase. We look towards the Centre for abundant support.”
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who attended the final day, lauded the growing scale of the festival.
“I am very happy to see people of Nongkrem and nearby villages coming forward to celebrate Shad Nongkrem. This festival is growing year after year and I really enjoyed it. The infrastructure today is tremendous. I thank the Chief Minister for always supporting the Hima,” Dhar said.
He said the government extends support whenever the Syiem’s office approaches it.
“Our government supports all denominations. Whether it is Christmas or any other religious festival, we are always behind our people. We want all religions to flourish. The uniqueness of Meghalaya is that Christians respect non-Christians and non-Christians respect Christians,” he said.
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, MDCs and other dignitaries were also present.
By Our Reporter
