Shad Nongkrem festival celebrated in Meghalaya

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The Shad Nongkrem festival started today with the main festival dance scheduled on the final day - November 12. The 'Nongkrem Dance,' will be celebrated at Smit, the cultural centre of the Khasi Hills.

Shad Nongkrem is celebrated all across the State of Meghalaya to appease the all-powerful Goddess 'Ka Blei Synshar', in the hope of gaining a bountiful harvest and prosperity. The ceremony at Shad Nongkrem is performed by the Syiem (King) of Hima Khyrim and the high priest. He sacrifices a cock or a goat as an oblation to Lei Shyllong, the God of Shillong Peak. The 'Pomblang' (goat sacrifice) and offerings presented to the ruling clan's ancestor and ancestress are an integral part of the event.

The dance, which is the festival's main attraction, is performed by unmarried young Khasi girls and the tribe's men. Ka Shad Mastieh is the name of the male-only dance. The male holds a sword in their right hand and a white Yak hair whisk in their left hand, maintaining the time to the changing beats of drums and playing of the tangmuri or pipes.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Mawryngkneg MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem, the Syiem of Hima Mylliem Ainam Manik Syiem, and others also attended the festival on the penultimate day.

Speaking at the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma wished all the people of Meghalaya on this auspicious occasion. He said an important part of this festival is Pomblang or the sacrifice of goats. The offerings are made to the ancestor and ancestress of the ruling clan. The Chief Minister further informed that the Syiem of Khyrim, along with the high priest, on Thursday decided that the government would focus on developing the village.

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