The five-day annual Nongkrem Dance came to an end today at Smit, the first time that the festival could be celebrated with full fervour since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was present on the final day and presented a cheque of Rs 2 crore to the Syiem of Hima Khyrim to help the festival grow by improving its infrastructure.
The dance is performed to appease the Goddess Ka Blei Synshar in the earnest hope for a rich harvest and prosperity of the people.
With the easing of the Covid-19 pandemic, hundreds of spectators and dancers gathered at the Iing Sad in Smit.
Greeting the citizens of the state on the occasion, the CM said that the traditions and culture of the people of Meghalaya is what makes the state unique.
“Hence protecting and promoting our culture and different festivals is something that we all should strive to do,” he said.
The chief minister also handed a cheque of Rs 2 crore to the Syiem, Dr Balajied Sing Syiem, for the infrastructural improvements.
The Syiem expressed his gratitude to the CM for the amount sanctioned, saying, “The CM had visited last year and saw that the dancing arena needed to be developed. It is with his initiative that a decision has been taken to develop and preserve this area.”
