By Hazel Tariang
Meghalaya is well-known for its rich heritage and vibrant traditions. Its tribal community celebrates a number of festivals that are thought to bring peace and prosperity. The major festivals include Shad Suk Mynsiem, Wangala, Laho dance festival, among others. In addition to these traditional festivals, the state is well-known for its popular modern festivals such as the Autumn festival, Strawberry festival, Cherry Blossom festival, and so on. This is why many tourists come to the state to witness the multi-ethnic and multi-religious state with a number of colourful festivals.
The Nongkrem festival, which is a 5-day event held annually as thanksgiving, takes place in Smit, the capital of Khyrim Syiemship (Khyrim Kingdom), which is about 11 kms away from the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong. Because of the beautiful vistas and landscapes, the journey to the destination is breathtaking.
This indigenous dance festival is held to honour the powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for bestowing good harvest and prosperity on the people of the community. An important part of the festival is when virgin women dress up in traditional dresses with heavy gold ornaments and dance in a specially set-up festival field.
It is also known as ‘Ka Pomblang,’ which means “decapitation of goats,” because goats are sacrificed and offerings are made to the ruling clan’s ancestors to the Shillong peak’s deity (U Lei Shillong).
Youthful members of the Khasi tribe perform this traditional dance. As a sign of respect for their God and ancestors, they dress in their ethnic attire and engage in their traditional dance. The dance performed by the men is known as “Ka Shad Mastieh,” where, holding swords in their right hand and whisks in their left, they dance along to the beats of the drums and the playing of tangmuri or pipes. The dance performed by the women is known as “Ka Shad Kynthei” which is performed in the inner circle while the men perform their dance in the outer circle.
The local people also set up small local markets where they display and sell handicrafts crafted by them. They also prepare local foods such as jadoh, tungrymbai, ja stem, dohkhlieh, etc. This is the best time for tourists to visit Meghalaya, as they can enjoy the local dishes and also witness the beautiful and rich tradition and culture of the state.