SHILLONG: 10th April 2022 (PTI Source)
On Monday, April 11, 2022, the much-awaited, famous Shad Suk Mynsiem, the dance of the Pure Souls and Calm Hearts, will be aired on a large screen for the first time in Khyndailad (Police Bazaar area.)
On Saturday, the three-day 'Thanksgiving' dance began at Jaiaw's Lympung Weiking ground.
The government of the state of Manipur has pledged to assist in setting up a big screen, says Seng Khasi Kmie (SKK)'s Cultural Secy. D Suiam.
“We believe this is an amazing initiative, especially given the pandemic situation, and fans who cannot visit the ground will be able to watch it on the big screen. It will also allow visitors to see an indigenous dance performed by young dancers,” he added.
The elders of the SKK will bless the dancers before performing the dance, according to Suiam. This is a part of this year’s event that isn’t seen elsewhere.
Banteilang S Rumnong, SKK’s publicity committee chair, said they could not hold the Shad Suk Mynsiem in 2020 because of the COVID-19 epidemic. The event was held on a modest scale in 2021.
“We intend to hold it on a much grander scale this year,” Rumnong added. “However, we will ensure that COVID-19 procedures are strictly adhered to. Shad Suk Mynsiem is a celebration to express the people’s gratitude for God. It is also a time to remember our ancestors."
“The dance is a beautiful thing to watch, and we urge people to come and witness it,” Rumnong said.
The SKK has also invited Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to attend the event.
He said, “It is organised throughout the Khasi Hills during springtime when nature revitalises itself and men are replete with hope for a bountiful harvest from the planted seeds.”
Rumnong added, “This year’s festival is a part of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and 50 years of Meghalaya statehood."
Arwan S Tariang, Secretary-General of the SKK Vice-President, said that in 1910, the Seng Khasi leaders moved the event from Mawkhar to Lympung Weiking for political reasons. On April 14-15 in 1911, the debut of Shad Suk Mynsiem was at the Lympung Weiking ground.
The SKK, which has been organising the event since its inception, is a Khasi tribal organisation that works to promote the language, culture and traditions of the Khasi people.
The Seng Khasi has maintained all of this dance style’s rhythm elements, including drums, cymbals, and a shrill piping sound on the Tangmuri, a traditional trumpet.
A little bit about Shad Suk Mynsiem Festival-
The Shad Suk Mynsiem is a springtime festival of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya, India. The festival is held annually to express gratitude towards God and remember their ancestors. The three-day event begins with a thanksgiving prayer, followed by a traditional dance called “Shad Nongkrem”. On the second day, young men and women dressed in white perform the “Shad Jaid” dance, while the “Shad Suk” is performed on the third day. The festival culminates with a grand finale called the “Shad Tyrnai”, in which all the dancers perform together.