Festivals And Traditions In Shillong- the capital of Meghalaya in northeastern India, is a city that pulsates with vibrant cultural energy. Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong is not only famed for its picturesque landscapes but also for its rich tapestry of festivals and traditions. The city is predominantly inhabited by the Khasi tribe, with the Garo and Jaintia tribes also contributing to the cultural mosaic. Festivals in Shillong are colorful, music-filled, and deeply rooted in local traditions and beliefs. This article explores the key festivals and traditions that define the cultural landscape of Shillong.
Shad Suk Mynsiem: The Dance of Peace and Joy
One of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Khasi tribe is Shad Suk Mynsiem, which translates to the “Dance of Peaceful Hearts.” Held in April, this festival marks the arrival of spring and is a thanksgiving celebration for the harvest.
Rituals and Celebrations
Shad Suk Mynsiem is a three-day festival that takes place in the Weiking Grounds in Shillong. Men and women dressed in traditional Khasi attire perform a series of dances. Men wear dhotis, waistcoats, and turbans adorned with feathers, while women don elegant silk dharas and intricate gold and silver jewelry.
The dances are accompanied by traditional music played on drums and tangmuri (pipes). The most iconic dance is the Shad Pastieh, where women form a circle and dance gracefully, symbolizing purity and modesty, while men dance around them, representing protection.
Nongkrem Dance: A Harvest Festival
Another important festival is the Nongkrem Dance, celebrated by the Khasi people, particularly by the Syiem (chief) of Hima Khyrim. It is a five-day harvest festival held in November to appease the Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of the community.
The Ceremonial Sacrifice
The festival includes a goat sacrifice, known as Pomblang, to the deity. This act is performed by the Syiem, the custodian of Khasi traditions, at the Smit village near Shillong. The ritual is accompanied by traditional music and dances performed by both men and women. The men wear a ceremonial dress called jymphong, while the women wear Jainsem, a traditional Khasi attire.
The highlight of the Nongkrem Dance festival is the dance itself, where dancers move in a circle to the rhythm of the drums and the melodies of the tangmuri. This dance symbolizes the unity and harmony within the community.
Wangala Festival: The Hundred Drums Festival
The Garo tribe, another major ethnic group in Meghalaya, celebrates the Wangala Festival, also known as the “Hundred Drums Festival.” This harvest festival, celebrated in October or November, marks the end of the agricultural year and is a thanksgiving ceremony to the deity Misi Saljong, the Sun God, for a bountiful harvest.
Rhythms and Rituals
The festival features traditional music played on drums, flutes, and other instruments. The main attraction is the dance, performed by men and women in traditional Garo attire. Men wear a turban and a loincloth called dokmanda, while women wear a colorful wrap-around skirt called dakmanda and a blouse.
The dance involves rhythmic movements and synchronized steps, with the men beating long, cylindrical drums called dama. The Wangala Festival is not just a celebration of the harvest but also a time for the Garo community to come together, strengthening social bonds and cultural identity.
Behdienkhlam Festival: Driving Away the Plague
The Jaintia tribe celebrates Behdienkhlam, a festival aimed at driving away plague and diseases and invoking divine blessings for a good harvest. Celebrated in July in the town of Jowai, the festival is one of the most colorful and energetic events in Meghalaya.
The Sacred Pool
The festival’s name, Behdienkhlam, means “driving away the plague” in the Pnar language. It involves a series of rituals, including the beating of a log (dienkhlam) to symbolize the driving away of evil spirits. The highlight is the procession to the sacred pool of Aitnar, where men carry large, decorated wooden structures called rongs.
The men of the village engage in a football-like game called Dad-Lawakor, played with a wooden ball. It is believed that the winning team will have a prosperous harvest. The festival concludes with the immersion of the rongs in the Aitnar pool, symbolizing the washing away of evil spirits and diseases.
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem: The Thanksgiving Festival
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem is another thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Khasi people. Held in Smit, the festival involves a goat sacrifice to the deity Ka Blei Synshar, seeking blessings for a prosperous community.
Traditional Dances
The festival is marked by traditional dances performed by men and women. Men wear a silk dhoti, turban, and a coat, while women wear a Jainsem with a crown of silver. The dances are performed to the beat of drums and the sound of pipes, and they symbolize the cultural richness and unity of the Khasi community.
Shillong Autumn Festival: A Celebration of Music and Culture
While traditional festivals play a significant role, contemporary celebrations like the Shillong Autumn Festival also highlight the city’s cultural vibrancy. Organized by the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum, this festival showcases music, dance, food, and local crafts, attracting tourists from across the globe.
Music and Merriment
Shillong, known as the “Rock Capital of India,” has a thriving music scene, and the Autumn Festival is a testament to this musical heritage. The festival features performances by local and international artists, spanning genres from rock and jazz to folk and blues.
The festival also includes a food and wine festival, boat rides on Umiam Lake, and various adventure activities, making it a comprehensive celebration of Shillong’s contemporary culture and natural beauty.
Shillong’s festivals and traditions offer a vivid glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of this beautiful hill station. From the deeply spiritual Shad Suk Mynsiem and Nongkrem Dance to the vibrant Wangala and Behdienkhlam festivals, each celebration is a unique expression of gratitude, joy, and communal harmony. These festivals not only preserve the ancient customs and beliefs of the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes but also bring the community together in a shared celebration of life and nature.
In Shillong, every festival is an opportunity to witness the city’s cultural richness, participate in time-honored traditions, and experience the warmth and hospitality of its people. Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, a music lover, or simply a curious traveler, Shillong’s festivals are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the region’s heritage.
