Nongkrem Dance celebrated with traditional fervour in Meghalaya's Smit

Meghalaya's traditional Nongkrem Dance, one of the most significant religious and cultural festivals of the Khasi community, was celebrated with traditional fervour at Smit in East Khasi Hills district on November 2.

The five-day festival, also known as Ka Pomblang Nongrem, is observed annually in honour of Ka Blei Synshar, seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest, prosperity and the well-being of the community.

Smit, located around 20 km from Shillong, serves as the headquarters of Hima Khyrim, one of the traditional Khasi states. The festival is an important occasion in the Khasi cultural calendar and draws people to witness its religious ceremonies and traditional dances.

The celebrations were presided over by the Syiem (chief) of Hima Khyrim, Dr Balajied Syiem. Accompanied by the high priests, he performed the Pomblang ceremony and offered oblations to Lei Shyllong, the presiding deity of Shillong Peak.

One of the major highlights of the festival was the traditional dance performed by young Khasi women and men dressed in elaborate indigenous attire and adorned with gold and silver ornaments. The dancers assembled in the arena in front of the Iing Sad, the traditional thatched palace.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma extended his greetings to the people on the occasion, describing the Nongkrem Dance as an expression of Khasi culture and tradition.

"May this celebration deepen our sense of togetherness and usher in peace and harmony across our State and country," he said in a social media post.