SHILLONG: The 106th celebration of Shad Suk Mynsiem or the “Dance of peaceful hearts” was celebrated with pomp and show at Weiking Ground, Jaiaw on Monday. Dancers, both young and old, dressed in traditional regalia, swayed to the tune of traditional music on the occasion.
Despite a warm afternoon, the dancers made their way to the ground to pay obeisance to God for the harvest season.
“When the dance is set in motion, sounds of drums would beckon the soul. We are proud that it is our dance, unique to us,” president of Seng Khasi Kmie, Banteidor Rumnong told The Shillong Times.
He added that the Seng Khasi, which is a religio-socio cultural organization propagating and preserving the beliefs of the indigenous Khasis, is making efforts to improve the dance as part of its “cultural resurgence movement”.
Stating that the music with its accompaniments of drums and cymbals has a soul which is extraordinary, he said, “It inspires us to revive the cultural dance.”
During the dance, two men wore white dhoti and shirt, draped lavender coloured shawls and displayed minimal ornaments, a sight different from the other male dancers who wore the usual attire of colourful dhoti and waistcoats along with heavy ornaments.
Rumnong said the two male dancers were from War region of the State. “In the War region, which usually experiences hot weather conditions, the dancers do not wear warm attires like others. They wear light clothing in keeping with the hot weather conditions,” he informed.
Speaking to media persons later, Rumnong said “Thousands of dancers from across the State participate in the festival.”
On the kind of ornaments being worn by the participants, he said, “The Seng Khasi has decided not to decide on the costume or jewellery since attire should not be a hindrance for those wishing to participate in the dance. There are some who cannot afford to buy real traditional ornaments. We cannot prohibit them from wearing imitations made from aluminum etc., as people yearn to take part in the dance.”
The Seng Khasi Kmie president also informed that an octogenarian, Belin Thabah from Unsaw Sohiong, matched steps with young people on the dancing ground. His nephew also participated in the dance. “We feel delighted when such gentlemen join in the dance,” he said.
Rumnong reiterated that the Seng Khasi as a whole aims to unite the people of the indigenous faith. “From time to time, we teach people about the importance of the indigenous faith. Seng Khasi would reiterate that indigenous people should adhere to the teachings of the Seng Khasi and remain united,” he added.
“A person’s beliefs are his or her personal choice. However, on the part of the Seng Khasi we are creating awareness on the indigenous way of life,” he said.
The festival which was earlier organised in Mawkhar was shifted to Weiking Ground in 1911.
