SHILLONG: The Seng Khasi members said on Monday it needs the state government’s help to get land to build a better arena with proper infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of dancers and audience at Shad Suk Mynsiem.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the festival, general secretary of Seng Khasi PD Nongrum said, “We need to find a bigger arena because I am sure in the next 10-20 years, this place will not be sufficient to hold that many dancers.”
“With the understanding of the present generation about the values of our cultural heritage and the value of our religion, the numbers are going to swell up to thousands in the coming years,” he added.
At present, the Shad Suk Mynsiem is held at Weiking ground in Jaiaw. This year, there were altogether 1,100 participants, with 498 female and 602 male.
Nongrum said the Seng Khasi has to turn to the government for getting 10-12 acres of land.
He acknowledged government support in the form of financial assistance and deployment of security personnel and traffic arrangement, among other things.
During the day, people thronged the venue to witness the annual thanksgiving dance of the Khasi community.
Women in traditional regalia moved with restrained steps in the middle of the dancing arena surrounded by men who swayed to the tune of the duhalia.
“Men are the protectors of women. The male dancers have a sword in one hand to show that they are the protector of the family, the clans and the jaitbynriew,” Nongrum said.
The Khasis, being an agrarian society, celebrate the thanksgiving dance at the onset of spring before planting new seedlings.
“We always pay homage to the Creator who has blessed us with rich harvest and blessings in other spheres of life, which includes business and education. We also pray for the coming year,” Nongrum said.
He said another aspect of the dance is to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Khasis as well as the Niam Khasi, which is the traditional religion of the Khasis handed down to the Khasis from generations to generations by the predecessors.
On the other hand, he said the Seng Khasi also works hard to promote the values of Tip briew tip Blei, Tip Kur Tip Kha, Kamai ïa ka hok.
