Information about Shad Suk Mynsiem Dance
Location: Shillong
State: Meghalaya
Capital: Shillong
Language: Khasi, Garo, English
Temperature: Max 37˚C, Min 15˚C (summer), Max 28˚C, Min 8˚C (winter)
Best Season: March to July.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is located at Guwahati in Assam, which is about 128 Kms from Shillong. Guwahati is well connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Baghdogra and Bangkok by regular flights. Taxis can be hired from Guwahati Airport to Shillong. There is a helicopter service from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Guwahati, which is located at a distance of 103 Kms from Shillong.
By Road: Meghalaya Transport Corporation and Assam State Transport Corporation buses are available, that frequently ply from Guwahati to Shillong.
This dance is popularly known as Shad Weiking and is so called after the name of the ground where the dance used to be held every year. Being a thanksgiving festival, Shad Suk Mynesiem is a symbolic offering of salutations to God, homage to their ancestors and proclamation of unity of the Khasi people. It is organized by the Seng Khasi (Khasi Religion). The dance lasts for three days. Only unmarried men and women are allowed to take part in the dance. The dancers dance rhythmically making regular movements and keeping time with the beat of the drum and pipe (Tanguari). Damsels (unmarried) dressed colourfully.