SHILLONG, Nov 17: Ahead of the festival of Shad Nongkrem, the office of Hima Khyrim has appealed ki Khun ki hajar (subjects) to steer clear of any congregation at Smit on November 24 and 25.
The festival usually draws local, national as well as international crowds. It is a socio-religious festival called ka pomblang bad lehkmen Hima Khyrim, better known as Shad Nongkrem (Nongkrem Dance).
The festivities, however, this year is likely to be toned down owing to the apprehensions brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, the Syiem Khynnah (Deputy Chief), Habapan Sing Syiem, said, “We request the people of the state to bear with us as we cannot be together this year due to the pandemic”.
The office of Hima Khyrim has also exhorted the people to cooperate and avoid crowding the venue.
Asked, he said that on the first day of the festival, there will be eight male dancers, adding that not more than 30 participants are allowed for a procession from Iingsad to Lum Pomblang. On the last day, he said there will be only 40 dancers comprising 20 males and 20 females.
Spokesperson of Federation of Khasi States (FKS), John Kharshiiing, said, “The Hima Khyrim is duty-bound to complete the rituals and ceremonies. The Hima has urged the citizen to refrain from visiting so as to conform to the SOPs of the government”.
Meanwhile, the East Khasi Hills district administration has also issued protocols for the festival and has issued the permitted number of attendees for each of the location/venue.