The Shillong culture: A journey through the life
The city of Shillong was formerly the capital of Assam state of India. When the state was split into Assam and Meghalaya in 1972, Dispur became the capital of Assam and Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya state. Nevertheless, the Shillong culture is definitely the one, everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Translating to the abode of the clouds, Shillong is a magnificent city and a hill station to spend tranquilizing vacation.
Shillong culture: The people
Shillong is mainly inhabited by the Khasi tribe, who are generally Christians. The other inhabitants of Shillong are Bengalis and Nepalese, but they are in minority.
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An important aspect of the Khasi tribe is that they follow the culture of matrilineal society, i.e. a society in which the mother is the head of the family and the youngest daughter inherits the family’s assets. In the Khasi culture, children inherit their mother’s surname.
Shillong: The festivals
Shillong celebrates most of the Indian festivals with a great zeal. Since the region is inhabited mostly by the Khasi tribe, let’s have a look at their traditional festivals. Most of the festivals in Shillong is accompanied with traditional dance and community lunch.
Shillong culture: Nongkrem dance
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People celebrate this festival to show gratitude to God for a good harvest. The main element of this festival is the Nongkrem dance, which even today, people perform without altering the traditional values. Usually, men and unmarried-women perform this dance form. Also, ritualistically, the tribals sacrifice the goat.
This festival falls in the month of October or November.
Shad Suk Mynsiem
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The Khasi tribe follows Christianity, hence, Thanksgiving festival has also become a part of them. The Shad Suk Mynsiem is a Thanksgiving festival accompanied by a dance and musical instruments mainly drums and flute.
It is a three days festival, which usually falls in the month of April.
If you wish to explore the beauty of Shillong, you can book a cab in Shillong on day rental and enjoy touring the city.
Useful Links-
Shillong: One-day trip planner
