SHILLONG, Nov 12: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) marked the annual Shad Nongkrem festival with the announcement of a historic new law, the Hima Khyrim Syiemship Act, 2024, which protects and preserves key elements of Khasi culture and governance.
This newly formalised act sets a legal foundation for preserving the traditional roles and customs that have been an essential part of the Khasi way of life for generations. These roles include those of the Syiem (chief), Basan (elder), Sardar Shnong (village head), and Rangbah Shnong (village elder), among others, which are crucial to Khasi self-governance and cultural identity. The act was formally approved by the Governor of Meghalaya, CH Vijayashankar, on November 11, 2024, and was ceremoniously announced during the festival.
The Hima Khyrim Syiemship Act provides legal support for customs such as the ‘Pomblang’ goat sacrifice and the Shad Nongkrem dances. Until now, these important practices and roles continued without specific legal protections, which left them vulnerable to change or loss over time.
KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem called the passing of this act a “historic moment” for the Khasi people and praised everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. He acknowledged the dedication of Hima Khyrim’s leaders, especially Chief Dr Balajied Sing Syiem, who have long worked to protect Khasi heritage.
“By passing this act, the KHADC has created a safety net for these cultural treasures, ensuring that they will continue to be observed and respected in the years to come,” said the CEM.
The Act draws on powers given to the District Council under Article 244 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which allow autonomous councils to make laws related to traditional governance and cultural practices. This new law ensures that the KHADC will have the authority to preserve and guide these customs officially, strengthening their place in Meghalaya’s society.
“This act will help safeguard the rich practices, culture, and roles of Hima Khyrim, such as those of the Syiem, Basan, and Sardar Shnong, and it ensures that these will remain for future generations,” said Pyniaid. “For over a hundred years, our customs have thrived, but now we have a formal legal framework to protect them.”
Pyniaid shared that the Council plans to issue further rules that clarify and guide specific practices under the Act, giving the Council even stronger tools to uphold Khasi culture.
