By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 12: The annual Shad Suk Mynsiem festival drew large crowds to Weiking Ground, Jaiaw, on its second day on Sunday. Among those present was Didier Vanderhasselt, who witnessed the traditional festivities.
Translating to the “Dance of Peaceful Hearts,” Shad Suk Mynsiem is held every April to mark the Khasi New Year. The festival is an occasion for thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and seeking blessings for the coming year. The three-day event, organised by the Seng Khasi Kmie, began with the traditional Ngi Nohkjat ritual on Saturday and will conclude on Monday. More than 1,500 dancers in traditional attire participated on the opening day. The celebrations began at the Seng Khasi Hall in Mawkhar with ceremonial drumbeats and an opening prayer led by the president of Seng Khasi Kmie, O Pyngrope.
A ceremonial procession, accompanied by the sounds of traditional drums, nakra, and tangmuri, proceeded to Weiking Ground. Following custom, participants circled the ground three times before the dance commenced.
