Meghalaya CM witnesses ‘Pomblang’ at Shad Nongkrem festival, assures development to attract tourists

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 11, 2021

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday witnessed the Pomblang (goat sacrifice) which is part of the Shad Nongkrem festival held at Smit village even as he asserted the need to promote and preserve the rich culture and tradition of the Khasis.

Similar to all other indigenous festivals of tribals in the state, the festival is performed to appease the all-powerful Goddess, Ka Blei Synshar, for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people.

The Syiem (King) of Khyrim along with the high priest performs the Pomblang ceremony, where a goat is sacrificed to appease the Lei Shyllong; the god of Shillong peak and also to the ancestors and ancestress of the ruling clan.

The Hima Khyrim has always been a bastion of Khasi culture. The Pomblang (goat sacrifice) and the Shad Nongkrem (Nongkrem dance) have been organized in the same manner for hundreds of years even before the recorded years of 1831 AD.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed happiness that he was able to witness a very important ritual called the Pomblang for the first time.

“This showcases the rich heritage and rich culture of our people and the fact that we need to preserve it and ensure that we do our best to maintain it so that the future generation can also enjoy and learn from it,” he asserted.

Sangma also announced the government’s decision to further develop the place for attracting tourists from across the world.

“I am happy to inform you also that we have decided that we will be supporting and giving infrastructural support so that this will become a permanent site which is already is but required development to attract tourists to showcase the rich culture and tradition that our people and the state has,” he said.

He added that the ritual has been held in the particular place for almost more than 200 years yet not enough development was done to promote and attract tourists.

Earlier, the Chief Minister was also made to wear a traditional Khasi turban. Also present on the occasion were Mawryngkneng MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem and Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem Ainam Manik Syiem.