Nongkrem dance celebrated with traditional splendour at Smit

SHILLONG: The annual dance of the Khasis, the Nongkrem dance or Ka Pomblang Syiem, performed in the month of autumn was celebrated in all splendours with crowds of people thronging the traditional palace of the Syiem of Hima Khyriem at Smit to witness the dance.
The dances were performed in the courtyard of the Iing Sad (thatched House) with unmarried girls dazzled in traditional attire, danced taking tiny steps, to the tune     of traditional music of the duhalia (the traditional musicians) while the men surround the women and dressed in traditional accouter holding a white yak hair whisk in one hand and a sword in one hand.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma also witnessed the festival.
Balajied Sing Syiem, Syiem of Hima Khyriem said, “The dances and rituals conducted are a continuation of the legacy bestowed upon us since ancient days, there is no change. The festival is a testimony of our gratitude to God.”
He added that prayers for peace in the society and for good agricultural yield have been the centre of the rituals performed.
People marketed various produces in the field adjacent to the Iing Sad, one such unique product being caterpillars. “It taste like chicken and is a hot seller,” the seller asserted.
The Nongkrem dance marked the five day long religious festival of the Khasis, which is performed to appease Ka Blei Synshar to look forward to a prosperous harvest.
The Syiem along with the high priest performed the Pomblang ceremony, the sacrifice of goats which is an important part of the ceremony.
At the same time, offers were made to Lei Shyllong, the Deity inhabiting the Shillong Peak, by sacrificing a cock.