NONGSTOIN: Members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Nongstoin Circle on Monday shut down various banks in Nongstoin after they were found working on Shad Suk Mynsiem, which concluded on Monday.
The banks and other central government offices had remained open despite the last day of the festival being declared as a District holiday by the administration of West Khasi Hills.
Wanda Siewdor Thongni, organising secretary of KSU Nongstoin Circle, said on receiving information, they went to talk to the officials to respect the holiday as per the order announced by the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills.
The banks include SBI, APEX Bank, MRB, Canara Bank, HDFC, Central Bank of India, BSNL Office and Post Office Nongstoin. They went on to shut all these offices.
KSU warned all offices to respect special occasions and festivals of the Hynñiewtrep people and also urged the district administration to impose these holidays for all institutions and administrations within the district.
Thousands of spectators witnessed the colourful traditional thanksgiving dance festival, Shad Suk Mynsiem held here on Monday. There were 202 dancers this year with 100 maidens and 102 men from across West Khasi Hills.
The Shad Suk Mynsiem, also known as the Spring Festival, was organised by the Seng Khasi West Khasi Hills.
The festival ended with the elder from Niam Khasi declaring the festival closed.
