SHILLONG:
Amidst jubilant mood in the village of Kongthong in East Khasi Hills on April 28, a voice was heard calling out to one and all to gather around for the Shad Puja which is the annual thanksgiving dance of the Raid Kongthong.
The Shad Puja is held annually for two days at the Kongthong village popularly known as the whistling village that has attracted people from across the globe.
This year it is being held on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, the Sordar of Raid Kongthong, Teibor Lynrah along with elders of the village sat in front of the altar, and in front of him was a basket and some plants.
Paying obeisance to the maker, he sought blessing for a bountiful harvest and protection throughout the year.
Young and old sat on the ground to witness the thanksgiving prayer. As soon as the prayers were over, little children rushed to take part in the dance.
Later, children were joined by elders as they moved round and round to the tunes of traditional musical instruments.
A resident of Kongthong village, Rothell Khongsit, said, “This is a way of expressing gratitude to the maker and to seek the almighty’s blessings.”
Shad Puja is a dance where the people of the village, which has over 130 households, take part.
Khongsit said, “In this thanksgiving dance, we are not seeking for any reason or for any sign, but we are only seeking blessings from the almighty.”
On the second day of Shad Puja, the Raid Kongthong will invite dancers from the adjoining villages to take part in the celebration.