SHILLONG: A gloomy morning with intermittent drizzle could not dampen the festive spirit of visitors at Nongkrem dance or Ka Pomblang Syiem on Monday. The annual dance of the Khasis was held in all gaiety with hundreds of people thronging the traditional palace of the Syiem of Hima Khyriem in Smit.
Balajied Sing Syiem, Syiem (Chief) of Hima Khyriem, said, “It is the responsibility of the Syiem and the Hima along with the Myntris to preserve the legacy bestowed upon us since ancient days and to see that there is no change in the dances and rituals conducted.”
He added there is a need to encourage the young generation of the Hima Khyriem to participate in the dance to showcase the culture and tradition as well as to carry on the legacy.
While boys sway their white yak hair whisk in one hand and a sword in another and dance to the traditional music of the duhalia (the musicians), the maidens dance in the middle with their eyes focused on the ground.
The dance is performed in the courtyard of the Iing Sad (thatched house) of the Syiem of Hima Khyriem.
The Nongkrem dance marked the five-day long religious festival of the Khasis, which is performed to appease Ka Blei Synshar, to look forward to a prosperous harvest.
The Syiem along with the high priest performed the Pomblang ceremony, the sacrifice of goats, which is an important part of the ceremony.
At the same time, offers were made to Lei Shyllong, the deity inhabiting the Shillong Peak, by sacrificing a cock.
