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About Nongkrem Dance

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About Nongkrem Dance

The Nongkrem Dance, or Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, is one of the most important festivals of the Khasi people. It is held every year in October or November at Smit, the seat of the Hima Khyrim, about 15 kilometres from Shillong.

The five-day festival thanks God the Creator for a good harvest and prays for peace and plenty for all the people of the Hima. The Syiem, the traditional chief, and the high priestess, Ka Syiem Sad, lead the old rites at the Syiem's house.

The best-known part is the dance in front of the house. Young unmarried women in silk dresses and gold and silver jewellery dance with slow, graceful steps, while men in colourful dress dance around them with swords and whisks to drums and pipes.

How people celebrate Nongkrem Dance

  • Thanksgiving prayers at Smit
  • Rites led by the Syiem and Ka Syiem Sad
  • Women dancing in silk and gold
  • Men dancing with swords and whisks
  • Drums and pipes through the day

How to wish well

  • Wish Khasi friends during the festival days in early November.
  • Thanks for the harvest, peace and plenty are the heart of the day.
  • Keep wishes warm and respectful, as the festival is also a time of prayer.

Questions about Nongkrem Dance

When is the Nongkrem Dance?

Every year in October or November, over five days. The main day for each year is shown on this page. The days are set each year at Smit.

Where is the Nongkrem Dance held?

At Smit, the seat of the Hima Khyrim, about 15 kilometres from Shillong in Meghalaya.

Why is Nongkrem celebrated?

To thank the Creator for a good harvest and to pray for peace and plenty for the people.

Who leads the Nongkrem rites?

The Syiem, the traditional chief of Hima Khyrim, with the high priestess, Ka Syiem Sad.

Is the Nongkrem Dance a holiday?

East Khasi Hills district usually keeps a local holiday for it.

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