There were more than 1,400 dancers who took part on the third and final day of the 112th Shad Suk Mynsiem at Weiking Ground here today.
The annual thanksgiving dance began on Saturday, where 270 dancers took part. There were 529 dancers on the second day yesterday.
The concluding day today saw 724 female dancers and 727 male bring the event that celebrates the traditions of the Khasi people to a close.
Present on the final day was Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, among others.
Bantei Sing Rumnong, chairman of the publicity committee of Seng Khasi Kmie, the organisers, said that the purpose of this dance is to give thanks to God for past blessings and seek for new blessings in the year ahead.
Speaking directly to the indigenous faithful, Rumnong said that they should constantly and continuously strive to follow their beliefs since these are rooted in the Khasi Hills.
Jaijaimon Dkhar, member of Seng Khasi Kmie, also spoke about the importance of preserving the customs and culture of the Khasi tribe in the face of changing times.
“We inculcate in them (the youth) to know their roots because this is our culture. Without culture there is no meaning and every tribe has a culture so this is our special culture and everyone knows us through our unique culture,” Dkhar said.
