It is said that rituals and dance have been a way of human expression towards the creator and it is celebrated with happiness and gaiety since the earliest civilisations as it was believed to be the form of celebration of the existence of mankind. In this context, the thanksgiving dance symbolises our expression of gratitude to God.
In 1902, the first thanksgiving dance was held at the front yard of the property of (Late) Shri Sujit Nongkynrih in Mawkhar. An initiative was taken towards the inception of a dance which will be symbolic with the culture and religion of the indigenous people at a time when there was a trend of adherence to new faiths and beliefs. At this juncture, this dance was known as ‘Shad Sujit’ where the venue of the event was near the Dorbar of Hima Mylliem with only a handful of participants.
Over the years this dance evolved which saw more participants and the situation demanded for a more spacious location leading to another property that of (late) Shri Mohon Massar which was located in Mawkhar as well. By this time, with the increasing participation and popularity the new name of ‘Shad Shira’ was given due to the fact that the participants were given a refreshment break served with black tea and ‘shira’ (a preparation from rice).
This thanksgiving dance became an important event and in the year 1911, for the first time the dance was held at the new location at Weiking Ground in Jaiaw. The Weiking Ground was the property of Seng Khasi and no longer the private property of any individual. This location was beside the Wah Umkhrah stream which at that time was famous for its crystal clear water flowing in its pristine glory. Opposite the ground where the dance took place, there was a whirlpool at a juncture of the Wah Umkhrah and by looking at it, it seemed as if the water was being stirred or ‘king’ as in the local dialect thereby acquiring the name of Shad Weiking or Weiking Dance as it is known today.
It is, however, worth mentioning that in the initial years when the Weiking Dance was held, the Seng Khasi had its share of obstacles and stiff opposition due to a series of conflict of interests and misunderstandings between some misguided individuals which ultimately led to a court case based on the validity of the dance to be held at the said location.
There was a contention regarding the ownership rights of the Weiking Ground and, on this basis after a prolonged hearing on the case, the verdict was finally given in favour of Seng Khasi and once again it was a victory to be cherished. This verdict led to the dance being given the name Shad Suk Mynsiem or the dance of happy souls as now they can truly dance with an open mind and heart.
With the passage of time, in future there will be new conflicts, new changes, new ways of thinking and new ideas where our generations to come who would be seeing things in a new perspective will face stronger challenges and even a more daunting task of preserving the culture, tradition and belief which is being dearly upholded now. However we have a firm belief that they will be able to stand up to expectations and taking the ideas of a new era in their stride they will take the indigenous practices and culture to new heights where our traditions, culture and religion will be exposed to the world and gain more respect and acceptance.
Once again I wish everyone a Happy Shad Suk Mynsiem to be celebrated with happiness and pride and hope that sense of understanding prevails amongst all. Lastly, we should always be reminded of our ancestors’ important teaching that we should love our own culture and religion and learn to respect other religions as well.
(Contributed by
Dapbiang Kharmih)