After 30-long years, Shad Sajer the revered traditional dance was held with great joy and fervour by the Raid Nongpoh today.
The dance is to offer gratitude to the divine for bountiful harvests and seeking blessings for prosperous sowing seasons.
The festival showcased a vibrant display of local culture through various traditional dances, including Shad Rah Kynthei, Shad Krut Lyngkha, and Shad Dong Dong. These performances captivated the audience, drawing admiration from all those who attended the event.
Commissioner Secretary of Arts and Culture, FR Kharkongor commended Raid Nongpoh for its initiative to revive the dance. He said such dance is significant to preserve the rich traditional and cultural heritage of the state.
He said Shad Sajer not only provides a platform for showcasing various traditional practices but also enables local troupes to perform dances and other cultural rituals that defines their identity.
Kharkongor further highlighted the efforts of the Arts and Culture department in introducing various schemes to support initiatives in Raids and Himas with the primary objective of revitalise and safeguard traditions. He spoke about the UNESCO’s special schemes aimed at protecting the identity and culture of diverse communities worldwide.
Shillong Times Editor, Patricia Mukhim called on leaders of the Raid and Hima to document such dance. Lyngdoh of Raid Nongpoh Linus Lyngdoh, Secretary of Nongpoh Town Committee Rayonald Kharkamni, NGOs and others were also present at the event.
