Meghalaya’s Shad Nongkrem Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Dance, Faith & Harvest

Shad Nongkrem Festival is one of the most famous traditional festivals of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya. It is celebrated every year in Smit, which is about 20 km from Shillong, the state capital. The festival lasts for five days and expresses thankfulness for a good harvest and prosperity.

Meghalaya’s Shad Nongkrem Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Dance, Faith & Harvest

Religious Importance:
The festival is celebrated to honour Ka Blei Synshar, the goddess of fertility and prosperity. It is also connected with Lei Shyllong, the deity of Shillong Peak. The Syiem (King) of Hima Khyrim, along with priests, performs Pomblang ceremonies that include offering sacrifices and prayers to the gods.

Cultural Highlights:
The main attraction of the festival is the traditional Khasi dance.

Women perform “Ka Shad Kynthei” wearing crowns made with the rare Tiew Lasubon flower, which stands for purity.
Men perform “Ka Shad Mastieh”, holding swords and yak hair whisks, dancing to the beats of drums and the tangmuri pipes.
These dances represent the matrilineal culture and spiritual richness of the Khasi people.

Meaning and Symbolism:
The festival shows the unity of the Khasi community. It celebrates harmony between humans, nature, and gods. The umbrellas held over royal maidens during the dance show respect and sanctity. Every part of the dance tells a story about tradition, devotion, and community strength.

Tourism and National Recognition:
Shad Nongkrem is now known as one of India’s national festivals. It attracts tourists and cultural lovers from across India and abroad. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called it a symbol of Meghalaya’s cultural pride and unity. The festival plays an important role in promoting cultural tourism in the Northeast.

Key Facts for Exams:

Duration: Five days
Location: Smit, Meghalaya (20 km from Shillong)
Tribe: Khasi
Goddess Worshipped: Ka Blei Synshar
Important Ceremony: Pomblang
Dances: Ka Shad Kynthei (women) and Ka Shad Mastieh (men)
Special Flower: Tiew Lasubon
Deity of Shillong Peak: Lei Shyllong

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Question & Answer

Q1. Shad Nongkrem Festival is mainly celebrated by which community?
(a) Garo
(b) Khasi
(c) Naga
(d) Mizo
Answer: Khasi
Explanation: The festival is celebrated by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya to thank the gods for harvest and prosperity.

Q2. In which place is the Shad Nongkrem Festival celebrated?
(a) Sohra
(b) Jowai
(c) Smit
(d) Tura
Answer: Smit
Explanation: The festival is held in Smit, the traditional capital of Hima Khyrim, located near Shillong.

Q3. Who is worshipped during the Shad Nongkrem Festival?
(a) Ka Blei Synshar
(b) Lei Synshar
(c) Ka Blei Shillong
(d) U Blei Shyllong
Answer: Ka Blei Synshar
Explanation: Ka Blei Synshar is the goddess of fertility and prosperity honoured during the festival.

Q4. What is the name of the ceremony performed by priests during the festival?
(a) Tangmuri
(b) Pomblang
(c) Nongthaw
(d) Mawphlang
Answer: Pomblang
Explanation: The Pomblang ceremony involves prayers and offerings to deities for prosperity.

Q5. The rare flower ‘Tiew Lasubon’ used in the festival symbolises—
(a) Beauty
(b) Purity
(c) Strength
(d) Victory
Answer: Purity
Explanation: The flower is worn by Khasi maidens in their crowns, representing purity and honour.

Q6. What is the traditional dance performed by Khasi men during the festival called?
(a) Ka Shad Kynthei
(b) Ka Shad Mastieh
(c) Ka Shad Nongkrem
(d) Ka Shad Nongthymmai
Answer: Ka Shad Mastieh
Explanation: Khasi men perform Ka Shad Mastieh holding swords and yak hair whisks to traditional drum beats.

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