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Nongkrem
Dance
Celebrated during Autumn at Smit, the cultural centre of the Khasi
Hills, to essentially commemorate the evolution of Khasi indigenous
democratic states called HIMA, which are still functioning today
under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution when these states,
earlier acceded to the Indian Union by signing the Instrument of
Accession during 1947-48.
Shad
Suk Mynsiem
A
colourful thanksgiving festival celebrated during springtime all
over Khasi Hills. Virgins dressed in traditional finery and menfolk
in colourful costumes participate in the dance to the accompaniment
of drums and pipes called tangmuri, the queen of musical instruments.
Behdienkhlam
Celebrated
during monsoon in July at Jowai and Tuber in Jaintia Hills. The
festival features religious ceremonies and dancing at a pool called
'eit nar', including a football game called 'datlawakor'. The ball
in this case is a wooden ball. The festival is essentially to invoke
the blessings of the Creator for a bountiful harvest and to chase
away disease and plague.
Wangala
A
major festival of the Garos, celebrated during Autumn, after the
harvest season. The festival includes propitiation ceremonies to
the deity Patigipa Rarongipa, held in every village. It is followed
by other elaborate rituals for four days and nights, accompanied
by dancing and merriment. It culminates in the warrior's dance-the
Dance of a Hundred Drums, on the final day which is a spectacular
and delightful sight.
Doregata Dance
Doregata Dance festival is another interesting dance where , while
dancing the women try to knock off the turbans of their male partner
using their head. If the women succeed, it is followed by peals
of laughter.
Lahoo
Dance
The Lahoo Dance is performed by both male and female for entertainment.
Attired in their best finery, usually two young men on either side
of a woman, holding arms together dance in step. In place of the
usual drum and pipe, a cheer leader, usually a man gifted with the
talent of impromptu recitation, recites couplets to the merriment
of the audience.
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