SHILLONG: The absence of popular locally made rice beer which is one of the main attractions at the annual Nongkrem Dance has left many people who visited Smit, disappointed.
The permission to sell this local drink which takes over the atmosphere with sheer fun and festivity has been denied by the Syiem of Hima in view of the recent incident at Smit which claimed the lives of three people.
“When talking about this festival, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘Rice beer’ and this attraction has its own unique specialty which draws many people from near and far,” a young Shillongite said adding that the absence of this attraction left many disappointed.
The recent incident at Smit where three people were butchered on suspicious of practicing witchcraft by an angry mob, most of whom were in an inebriated condition, has been the reason behind the denial of permission to sell rice beer openly this year.
However, despite the absence of this attraction, the festival was celebrated amidst pomp and gaiety.