Shillong, Nov 11: The preparations for the celebration for the final day of the Nongkrem Dance, also known as the Pomblang festival, began on Thursday, with people from all corners of the Khasi Hills thronging the Smit Village, situated around 11 km from Shillong.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Mawryngkneg MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem, the Syiem of Hima Mylliem Ainam Manik Syiem, and others also attended the festival on the penultimate day.
It’s a beautiful day to be at Nongkrem for the Shad Nongkrem, a beautiful festival of the Khasi tribe.
Shad Nongkrem is performed to appease the Goddess for a rich harvest & prosperity of the people. Witnessed the Pomblang Ïewduh ceremony today.@kishanreddybjp @MDoNER_India pic.twitter.com/sQiO8DcTaU
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 11, 2021
Decked up in their traditional attire and with people from all parts of Meghalaya and other tourists reached Smit village to witness the yearly festivity.
Speaking at the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma wished all the people of Meghalaya on this auspicious occasion. He said an important part of this festival is Pomblang or the sacrifice of goats. The offerings are made to the ancestor and ancestress of the ruling clan.
Sangma further informed that the Syiem of Khyrim, along with the high priest on Thursday decided that the government will focus on developing the village.
This is a ceremony called ‘Pynspong’ which is the act of wrapping the Khasi jaiñspong or turban. For the 1st time I witnessed the ‘Pomblang’, a religious ritual of the Shad Nongkrem. These experiences are enriching & instil a sense of pride!@kishanreddybjp pic.twitter.com/YokkjB12K3
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 11, 2021
It may be mentioned that the Nongkrem dance festival is celebrated during Autumn and it’s a five-day-long religious festival of the Khasis. Shad Nongkrem is performed to appease the all-powerful Goddess ‘Ka Blei Synshar’ for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people.
With a large crowd coming to watch the dance being performed and also shop at the local market setup beside the dancing arena. Girls get decked up in their silk-woven attire with their necks filled with gold ornaments and a crown to complete the look; they then head off to the ground to take part in the famous Nongkrem dance.
Likewise, the men also get decked up, ready to dance to the tunes of ancient drums and pipes.
