By Our Reporter
Shillong: After 36 years, the long forgotten traditions of Raid Shabong under Khyrim Syiemship has once again been revived with the celebration of the Shad Iuh Kjat, a traditional dance of the people of the area which was held on Saturday at Pynter village, its headquarters.
“The dance was organized with an aim to revive, protect and preserve what our ancestors had once practised”, Raid Shabong’s newly appointed Sordar Herin Singh Khongngai who was also felicitated on the occasion, said.
The beating of drums and traditional instruments like the bisli, Tangmuri besides others marked the dance form which saw the participation of many young people of the area who moved in steps with gaiety snd composure.
A rare but interesting part of the dance was the performance of young lads who moved along with the beat with money attached to either their shoulders or shirts.
Pynter, with about 300 households, is the oldest village in the Raid Shabong and in the past few decades, the Sordar were chosen from amongst the permanent residents of the area who are the third generation of the Khongmawlah clan.
“Years ago, Raid Shabong had Sordar who fit the criteria set down by the ancestors but in recent years, there have been problems with not many fitting into the laid conditions”, Khongngai said.
Taking the rein as the new Sordar, Khongngai stated, “I will revive the lost traditions of the Raid and do whatever I can to further strengthen and preserve our culture and tradition.”
Interestingly, the event which was supposed to be inaugurated by Lyngkyrdem MDC Jansing Tynsong was later kicked-off by the Sordar, Raid Shabong due to the late arrival of the former.
