Nongkrem Dance is a religious festival celebrated in the Khasi Hills of
Meghalaya. The dance is held annually during October/ November as a thanksgiving to the God Almighty for good harvest, peace and prosperity of the community. It is organized at Smit, the capital of the Khyrim Syiemship near
Shillong.
Nongkrem Dance is performed in the open by young virgins and men, both bachelors and married. Women performers, embellished in expensive silk costumes with heavy gold, silver and coral ornaments, dance in the inner circle of the arena. Male dancers, creating an outer circle, dance to the accompaniment of music of flutes and drums.
'Pomblang' or goat sacrifice is the main feature of the festival. Nongkrem Dance is done along with the Myntries (ministers), priests and high priest. Offerings are made to ancestors of the ruling clan and the deity of Shillong.
