Thaindian News

By D. Henpilen

Shillong, May 15 (ANI): As part of a movement to preserve the culture and tradition of the Khasis, the annual Lympung festival, a dance fiesta was held in Shillong recently.

The event provided a platform to showcase traditional dances and other cultural activities. We take a look.

Thousands of people from all over Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya converged at Nongdom near Mairang in West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya to celebrate the annual Lympung festival, prior to the sowing season.

It is said that these celebrations by the tribal people are meant to seek the blessing of the deities for a good harvest.

“This dance is a kind of connection and spiritual belief that we have. It reflects the mentality of the tribe that performs the dance and also it is a positive aspects that we still have that kind of connection between the modern world and the age old tradition which we should preserve from time to time for our generations to come,” said Samuel B.Jyrwa, local resident.

“Their significance is mostly related with agriculture, we pay respect to mother earth and their dances invoke the blessings of mother earth, so that whatever seeds are sowed brings about a rich harvest,” said Sumar Singh Sawain, local resident.

The event provided people, living in Shillong, an opportunity to participate and showcase their talent in various folk performances, which include folk dances and songs.

During the programme, besides the famous Warrior dance, Shad Suk Mynsiem and many others are performed. One of the spectacular performances that captivated the audience was the ‘Shad Sukra’ or Sukra Dance usually performed during the sowing festival. (ANI)