Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, Shillong, Meghalaya

The Ka Pomblang Nongkrem festival is a five-day-long harvest festival celebrated in November by the Khasis, who live in Meghalaya. It is also known as Shad Nongkrem. People from all over the world gather in Smit, the capital of Khyrem Syiemship, near Shillong, to give thanks to the Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich harvest and prosperity.

On the Pomblang day of the festival, goats are offered and sacrificed to the ancestor and ancestress of the ruling clan, as well as the deity of Shillong peak. The Syiem, the administrative head of the Khasi State, presides over a ritual ceremony that includes the chief priest, Ka Syiem Sad. The Khasis are a matrilineal society, and the date of the festival is decided by the Syiem, who announces it through the King’s eldest sister, Ka Syiem Sad. A sanctification ceremony of the Tangmuri (pipes) is also a part of this ritual.

On the fourth day of the festival, Khasi men and women perform the famous Nongkrem dance, dressed in traditional attire with great excitement. A maiden dance is held on this day as well, where young members of the Syiem house take part, and Ka Syiem Sad dances under an umbrella with great solemnity. This is called the opening or royal dance, which is generally performed by the Syiem before the Nongkrem dance begins.

During the Nongkrem dance, young men dress in colorful silk dhotis, coats, and plumed turbans and adorn glittering ornaments. They dance with swords or spears in one hand and a white Yak hair whisk in their other hand to the beat of drums and the musical sound of the Tangmuri. Pretty maidens, dressed in magnificent silk robes, elaborately decked with intricately designed ornaments of gold and silver, and wearing a silver crown, move in an inner circle in pairs or threes while the men form a protective ring around them flashing their weapons. The men’s dancing is more vigorous and energetic.

This festival is a time for prayer and divination, giving tourists a glimpse into Khasi customs. It also emphasizes the importance of women in Khasi society. The festival ends on the fifth day with the Syiem offering a prayer of thanksgiving to the Creator.

Date: November
Location: Shillong
State: Meghalaya
Country: India