As Christians around the world celebrate Easter to mark the resurrection of Jesus, Catholics here celebrate it in a unique way. Shad Paskha (also called Shad Pynhun Mynsiem Paskha), or Easter dance, is the traditional way of celebrating the day at different parishes in Khasi Hills.
The day begins with the Holy Mass in the morning followed by the cultural programme in the afternoon.
Both male and female performers come in traditional dresses. While men wear dhotis, full sleeved shirts, embroidered sleeveless coats and turbans women flaunt traditional silver and gold ornaments and crowns.
The best part of the celebrations is that even non-Catholics are invited to the Easter dance. Everyone comes in traditional dresses and dance to the tune of traditional instruments.
The first Shad Paskha was held at Pynursla Parish in the year 1971 initiated by Father Nicholas Tuligi from Italy.
“Father Tuligi, a missionary who came to the hills to work in the church, fell in love with the people and the culture here. He lived with the Khasis and he converted himself into a Khasi to understand the lifestyle of the people. He was well-versed in Khasi language, customs, traditions and culture. He saw that the Khasi culture is beautiful and full of life, the costume donned by the dancers is rich and fascinating, therefore, he thought why not glorify God through a cultural dance that is rich and beautiful.
“He also perceived a threat to this beautiful culture and it was in 1971 that he organised the first Shad Paskha at Pynursla Parish. The move was to revive the dying culture as well as glorify Jesus in a much beautiful and solemn way,” Fr. Francis Kharwanlang, spiritual director at St Paul’s seminary (Upper Shillong), said.
Over the years other parishes followed suit and started conducting the Shad Paskha. Marbisu Parish was the second parish to hold the Shad Paskha in 1986. Over 100 performers and musicians gather at Marbisu every year to perform Easter dance.
“Attending the Shad Paskha at Marbisu Parish is what I never want to miss, it is so beautiful, grand and colourful. And to watch the different dance forms of the Khasis from villages is mesmerising,” said Plorist Jyrwa from Sohiong.
Later, the Shad Paskha was conducted at Mawsynram, Mawkyrwat, Mawbri, Laban, Nongthymmai, Laitkor among other parishes.
The Khasi tribe has many festivals which are celebrated at different times of the year and music is an important part of the celebrations.
“We have the harvest dance, thanksgiving dance and many other dances and songs related to different occasions. Easter is also a festival of the Christians where we celebrate, make merry and show our gratitude to God in a special way through our culture,” writer Kitbor W Nongrum said.
At St John’s Parish in Laban, around 80 to 90 dancers will fill the arena. The parish will have cultural dances from different communities, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Laho Dance, the Garo, Bihu and Nepali dance. Last year, members of the Seng Kynthei of Laban Parish performed the Shad Pliang (plate dance).
Every community shows its respect and love for Jesus.
“We need a reason to dance, to be happy, to be in our special traditional attire, to bring our music instruments out and play them,” said Mary Nongkynti Wahlang of Laban Parish.
“It will be beautiful to see all cultures coming together at one place,” she added.
Father Leomary Lyndem started the Shad Paskha at Mawbri Parish a few years ago and it is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety every year. Mawbri Parish also has Karbi dance. The Khasi cultural dance has various forms – the harvest, sowing season, war dance, thanksgiving, every dance has a meaning.
“This is our culture, our identity, it is special, beautiful and rich, therefore we would like to glorify Jesus in this special and meaningful way. By becoming a Christian we have not ceased to be Khasi,” Father Leomary said.
“Further, the Shad Paskha is not a ‘religious dance’, it is a celebration,” he added.
The event will start with the Shad noh Kjat. The male dancers will perform the Shad Wait, by holding the sword in their right hand and whisks in their left. The sword is used as a symbol of men’s defence of himself and his family. Instruments like drums, padiah, kynshaw, flute are used.
At the end of the event, spectators will join the group and dance along by holding hands.
“The event that was started many years ago at Pynursla parish has now spread to other parishes and there also the Shad Paskha will be conducted in a grand and beautiful way. The church does not restrict anyone from performing the Shad Paskha,” said Archbishop Dominique Jala.
The Nongthymmai Parish at Madanrting will also organise the Shad Paskha.
