Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 7: The Nongkrem Dance Festival, a significant cultural event in Meghalaya, was celebrated with great fervor in Shillong 2025. Held at Smit village, the cultural center of the Khasi Hills, the five-day-long indigenous religious festival showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Khasi people.
The festival began with the Pomblang ceremony, a sacred ritual where the Syiem (King) of Khyrim, Dr. Balajied Syiem, offered oblations to Lei Shyllong, the god of Shillong peak, by sacrificing a goat and a cock. This ritual symbolizes the community’s deep connection with their land, ancestors, and spiritual beliefs.
The Nongkrem Dance, performed by young unmarried women dressed in traditional attire, was a highlight of the festival. The women’s elegant movements, adorned with gold, coral, and silver jewelry, symbolized purity, discipline, and moral balance. The men’s dance, on the other hand, was a display of energy and strength, with swords and white yak hair whisks representing warrior spirit and protection.
Traditional music played on drums, flutes, and cymbals added to the festive atmosphere. The community came together to share traditional Khasi dishes, such as jadoh, dohkhlieh, and tungrymbai, during the community feasts. The festival provided an opportunity for socializing, renewing friendships, and strengthening community ties.
