Experience the vibrant Nongkrem Dance festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Khasi tribe through mesmerizing traditional dances and rituals.
Start
Nov 6, 2024 at 1:00 AM
End
Nov 7, 2024 at 1:00 AM
Notes
- Traditional Khasi dance festival Celebrates harvest and prosperity
The Nongkrem Dance, a significant festival of the Khasis, takes place in the courtyard of the Nongkrem Syiem's residence in the charming town of Smit. The venue, the Iing sad, is a crucial symbol for the Khasis - a large thatched building constructed entirely without the use of metal parts. Lasting for five days, the Nongkrem dance festival includes various rituals involving the current royal of the Khyrim Hima. These members are highly respected in traditional administration and play a key role in preserving the centuries-old indigenous practices of the Khasis. Before the dance, the pomblang or goat sacrifice ceremony is conducted, with unmarried maidens and male community members forming the dancing troupe. All participants are dressed in their finest traditional attire.