SHILLONG: It was a twin celebration in Shillong on Monday as the Khasi community celebrated Shad Suk Mynsiem whereas the Assamese community celebrated Rongali Bihu with pomp and gaiety.
Young boys and girls decked in their traditional attire of fine silk, gold and silver, the Khasi maidens graciously participated in the Shad Suk Mynsiem dance at Weiking ground as young men and women danced to the beat of the drum and pipe (Tangmuri).
The ‘Shad Suk Mynsiem’ (Dance of the Happy Hearts) or ‘Shad Weiking’ which came to a close on Monday at Weiking Ground, Jaiaw managed to attract many people from all over the State as well as outside as thousands thronged to the Weiking Ground to witness the popular traditional dance of the Khasi tribes, observed since time immemorial.
The Three day Annual festivity formerly known as the ‘Shad Phur’ is a Thanks Giving Dance which symbolizes offering of salutations to God, homage to their ancestors and proclamation of unity of the Khasi people. The Shad Suk Mynsiem reflects the matrilineal and patrilineal aspect of the Khasi society. The man with whips and swords circle the virgins, as protectors of their honor.
It may be mentioned that the festival was first organized at the Weiking ground on April 14 and 15, 1911. However, from 1902 till 1910, the festival was held at Mawkhar.
Meanwhile, Shillong Central Rongali Bihu Celebration Committee also organize the Bihu celebrations at Shillong Vidyalaya, Bishnupur young men and dressed in Traditional Mekhla and Dhoti performed the traditional Bihu dance.
Shillong, once was the capital of Assam, although, now it is part of Meghalaya but still among the Assamese residing in Shillong, the Rongali Bihu is an opportunity for many to go home and experience the traditional delights of the festival. For those who stay back, Bihu requires certain imaginative adjustments.
In Shillong, the undying spirit of Rongali Bihu is a spellbinding factor uniting varied Assamese people with its fair share of music, food and rich repertoire of cultural exchanges.
