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About Shad Suk Mynsiem

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About Shad Suk Mynsiem

Shad Suk Mynsiem means the Dance of Joyful Hearts. It is a three-day thanksgiving festival of the Khasi people of Meghalaya, held every April in Shillong, mainly at the Weiking ground. It thanks the Creator for the harvest and welcomes the new season of sowing.

Young women dance in the inner circle in rich silk dresses, gold and silver jewellery and a silver crown, moving with small, graceful steps and eyes looking down. Young men dance around them in the outer circle, with swords and whisks of yak hair, as if to guard them.

The music comes from drums and the tangmuri, a Khasi pipe. The festival has been kept in Shillong for over a hundred years, and smaller dances are held in other Khasi areas too.

How people celebrate Shad Suk Mynsiem

  • Thanksgiving dance at Weiking ground
  • Women in silk dresses and silver crowns
  • Men with swords and yak hair whisks
  • Drums and the tangmuri pipe
  • Prayers of thanks for the harvest

How to wish well

  • Wish Khasi friends during the three days in April.
  • Joy, thanks, music and the new season are good themes.
  • Simple English wishes are welcome; keep them warm and respectful.

Questions about Shad Suk Mynsiem

When is Shad Suk Mynsiem?

Every April, over three days in Shillong. The main day for each year is shown on this page. The exact days are fixed each year.

What does Shad Suk Mynsiem mean?

The Dance of Joyful Hearts.

Where is Shad Suk Mynsiem held?

Mainly at the Weiking ground in Shillong, with smaller dances in other Khasi areas of Meghalaya.

Who dances in Shad Suk Mynsiem?

Young women dance in the inner circle in silk and gold, and young men dance in the outer circle with swords and whisks.

Why is Shad Suk Mynsiem celebrated?

To thank the Creator for the harvest and to pray for a good season of sowing.

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