SHILLONG, April 17: Spring not only ushers the end of the dry dreary cold winter, but it is the dawn of the new beginning. Spring is almost like a new year for the indigenous people who live with agrarian culture. The change of season influences their different activities and their lives as a whole. And since their lives revolve around agriculture, their festivals are also influenced by the activity and the primary crop which they cultivate.
The tradition amongst the Pnar and the War people of Jaintia Hills is to celebrate the coming of the season with pomp and gaiety. For the farming population, the beginning of spring is the time to pay obeisance to the Creator God U Tre Kirod and Mother Earth ka Bei Ramaw and to pray for a bountiful harvest.
To welcome the season and pray for the blessings of the Creator and the deity, the Pnar celebrate the festival of Chad Sukra, and the Khasi and the War Jaintia celebrate Shad Suk Mynsiem and Rong Kusi respectively.
Like any indigenous community, the Hynniewtrep people welcome spring with pomp and gaiety. The last week saw people visiting different Raids and Shnong celebrate the advent of spring in their respective areas.
In Jaintia Hills, Raij like Mukhla, Khliehtyrshi and others have celebrated their Chad Sukra, while Seid Raij Ialong will celebrate its Chad Sukra and Noh Sakyriat on April 25.
On Sunday, the Sein Raij Chnong Sabahmuswang organised a grand Chad Sukra festival at the village playground, during which youths of the village in their traditional attire showcased different traditional dances much to the delight of the spectators.
The different traditional dances performed on the day were Chad Soo Ngut, Chad Rwai, Chad Nongrep and others.
Traditional musical instruments were used to accompany the folk songs sung by groups and individuals during the festival.
The festival was addressed by Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, JHADC MDC Brightstar Chyrmang, Dolloi Elaka Jowai Puramon Kynjin, a representative of Raij Tuber, Helping Phawa, and environmentalist and social worker, HH Mohrmen.