Summary:
A ReporterShillong: The annual dance of the Khasis – the Nongkrem Dance Festival or 'Ka Pomblang', performed in the month of December – was celebrated in all its splendour with crowds of people thronging the traditional palace (IIing Sad) of the Syiem of Hima Khyriem at Smit on Thursday. The purpose of Nongkrem Dance is to seek the blessings of Goddess 'Ka Blei Synshar' for a good agricultural yield and welfare of the people. The festival is also called 'Ka Pomblang', meaning decapitation of goats, since they are sacrificed and offerings made to the ancestors. Later in the evening, after the Nongkrem Dance Festival concluded, the Syiem along with the high priest performed the Pomblang ceremony, the sacrifice of goats which is an important part of the ritual. Braving the winter cold, overcast condition and light drizzle, the Nongkrem dance was performed by more than 100 girls and boys..