'Shad Nongkrem' observed

A CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG, Nov 4: The Nongkrem dance or popularly known as “Shad Nongkrem” was today observed amidst pomp and gaiety at Smit village, East Khasi Hills district. The Nongkrem dance festival is performed to appease “Ka Blei Synshar” for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people. 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 of the ruling clan. The religious part of the festival precedes dances, in which unmarried girls in all their exotic costumes participate. When the daughters of the royal family come out to dance umbrellas are used to cover the heads of the princesses.