Colourful Shad Suk Mynsiem held, mesmerizes audience

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, April 10: Almost 1000 plus young boys and girls decked in their traditiol attire of fine silk, gold and silver, the Khasi maidens graciously moves inside the circle while the men with whips and swords danced with full zeal outside the circle in the Shad Suk Mynsiem (Dance of the Happy Hearts) at Weiking ground.

Thousands of spectator’s form the state including tourists witnessed the colourful traditiol thanksgiving dancing festival observed since time immemorial, held at Weiking Ground, Jaiaw in the city for past 106th years which came to a close on Monday.

People belonging to the ‘Niam Khasi’ including young and old took part in the dancing festival accompanied by the beats of the drums and Pipes (Tangmuri) to give thanks to God for all the blessings that he has bestowed.

This year dance was also participated by an 88 year old man from Sohiong, the oldest person to have taken part in the ‘Dance of the Joyful Soul’ on the closing day.

Speaking to reports while taking a break from dancing, Billy Thabah said, “This is the first time I’m taking part in dancing in this particular field after a gap of 25 year as I want to encourage other youths to participate in this traditiol dance of the Khasis.”

Asked on the reason for his participation this year, he said, “I want to try an teach the youths the origil traditiol dancing techniques as there are differences in the style of dancing now and back during his youthful days.”

Thabah however said that there was lack of equipments, traditiol orments and attires back during his days but in today’s generation everything is available easily.

Earlier, while speaking to reporters, Bantei Rumnong, president Seng Khasi (Kmei) said, “An elderly person despite his (Thabah) age is participating in this dance and we are delighted as this will only encourage more youths to come forward and take part in this traditiol dance.”

Asked on the increasing number of Khasi faithful shying away from the age old traditiol faith and associating themselves with other faiths, he said, “Seng Khasi from time to time try to unite its entire faithful and teach them the values of the traditiol Khasi faith, however beliefs is an understanding of an individual. Some people might feel that the Khasi faith is not right for them, hence they would associate with other faiths.”

He added, “We cannot stop them from leaving, however I believe that one day they will realise the true importance and value of the age old Khasi faith and ultimate with time they will return.”

The Three day Annual festivity reflects the matrilineal and patrilineal aspect of the Khasi society. The man with whips and swords circle the virgins, as protectors of their honor.

The festival was first organized at the Weiking ground on April 14 and 15, 1911. However, from 1902 till 1910, the festival was held at Mawkhar.

The Khasis perform 6 different dances in Shad Suk Mynsiem. These are Mastieh, Pyllun, Padiah, Klang, Dum Dum and Shad lai. The dances take place till sunset.