By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 7: Drums and Tangmuris echoed across the Weiking Ground and anklets chimed in rhythm as the 114th edition of Shad Suk Mynsiem unfurled its final chapter in Shillong on Monday, wrapping up three days of grace, gratitude, and generational pride. Over 1,500 dancers took to the field in a mesmerising spectacle that showcased the essence of the Khasi way of life, one that is rooted in nature and tradition
Translating to “Dance of Peaceful Hearts,” Shad Suk Mynsiem is held every April and it marks the Khasi New Year; a time to give thanks for the harvest, and to seek blessings for the year ahead. It began with the ceremonial ‘Ngi Nohkjat’ on Saturday, and peaked on Monday with a display of synchronised movement
This year, the festival saw a surge in participation, starting with 370 dancers on Day 1, rising to 579 on Sunday, and culminating in 1,517 on the final day.
Contrary to belief that the younger generation is turning away from traditional rituals, PD Nongrum, vice-president of Seng Khasi Kmie, believes the opposite is true. “Not only are more young people dancing, but they’re bringing new energy, with Seng Khasi units across the state joining in and keeping the spirit alive,” he said.
“You can see for yourself that most of the dancers are young people, and not from the older generation, and that itself says it,” adding that units from everywhere are now holding their own dances in their own small ways, across the state.
Women, dressed in resplendent silk and adorned with gold, silver, and coral, move with poise at the centre of the Weiking ground, as a tribute to the Khasi matrilineal heritage where women are keepers of the lineage. Encircling them, men in traditional finery carry swords and arrows, symbolising guardianship and strength.
The event had in attendance Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism and Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and several other dignitaries.