‘Shad Suk Mynsiem’ observed

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, APR 10: The “Shad Suk Mynsiem” – an annual thanksgiving dance festival of the Khasis reminded the role of men as protectors in matrilineal Meghalaya, which recently witnessed rising crimes against women and children.

The “dance of the joyful hearts” apart from depicting the rich custom and tradition of a Khasi society, also has in it a strong social message especially in upholding the respect for the women folks.

Women in the dance arena confined themselves in the inner circle while the men are dancing in the outer circle – a symbolism of their responsibility to protect the weaker sex.

A quiver having three silver arrows which form part of the attire of the men folks further signifies – ‘to protect oneself, to protect one’s family and clan and to defend the land and its integrity’.

“The Shad Suk Mynsiem is a mirror of the Khasi society. The women are surrounded by men folks who are not only bread earner but also protectors of the family,” Seng Khasi (Kmie) chief Banteilang Rumnong said.

Admitting on the increasing violence against women and children, he said that this is due to the fact that people seems to have forgotten the Khasi custom and tradition – which have high respect for women.

Rumnong however said that the Seng Khasi is taking its role to fight against such oppression on the weaker sex by appealing and reminding the true essence of the Khasi culture – “tip briew – tip Blei” or “Know man – know God”.

Meanwhile, thousands of spectators including tourists witnessed the celebration of the colourful traditional thanksgiving dancing festival, held at Weiking Ground, Jaiaw in the city.

Organized annually for the past 105 years by the Seng Khasi Seng Kmie, the Shad Suk Mynsiem, which is also known as the ‘Spring Festival’ started from April 8 and concluded here on Monday.

Hundreds of people belonging to the ‘Niam Khasi’ including young and old took part in the dancing festival accompanied by the beats of the drums and tangmuri to give thanks to God for all the blessings that he has bestowed.

Interestingly, a 90 year-old Belin Thabah from Umsaw-Sohiong is one of the oldest dancers during the festival which was participated by around 1023 dancers (male-544 and female-479) coming from across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region.

“Shad Suk Mynsiem is a thanksgiving dance festival of the indigenous people to the Almighty for bountiful harvest, health, wealth and peace,” Rumnong said.

The dance was a tradition since inception but it was only in 1911, the Seng Khasi decided to have it an organized manner at the Weiking Ground.

From a tourism aspect, the Shad Suk Mynsiem is also one of the festivals, which attracted a lot of tourists from across the country and even abroad, who took back with them the rich culture and heritage of the Khasis.

However, the Seng Khasi Seng Kmie rued to the fact that the festival has not been able to get the right kind of support from the state government.

“No doubt, we have been getting the support from the state government. But the support is not enough for organizing such a big event of this magnitude,” Rumnong said.

He said that the Seng Khasi is spending around Rs 8-10 lakh for organizing the festival annually.

Another elder of the Seng Khasi said that the festival is a message to the people of the state for preserving our culture and tradition, besides righteousness in whatever we do.