music
Meghalaya
Music
The land of Meghalaya is dowered with a rich heritage of Meghalaya music, as its occupants just love to get drenched in
its holy spirit that drives away all sorts of worries and vexations. In fact,
all the major festivals in the state of Meghalaya pivot around the mesmerizing
songs and dances that truly rejuvenates the soul and the mind.
The heavenly delectable valleys that spans across the terrain of Meghalaya
reverberate with the soul-stirring tunes of the music emerging out from the
hearts of the residents. Traditional songs, legendary instruments and a
soothing tempo are all the necessary ingredients that has metamorphosed Meghalaya music into an
absolute treat.
The music of Meghalaya mainly draws its inspiration from natural beauties like the water
falls, hills, lakes etc. It is the individuals belonging to the Jaintias and
the Khasis who consider music to be the sole passion of their life.
'Phawar' is the form of music that was introduced by the Khasis and
constitutes an integral wing of the music
from Meghalaya. It is presented in the form of a psalm and contains the
description of the occasion in its lyrics. Songs dedicated to the various
martyrs who embraced death for the sake of the country, ballads, verses that
depict the past and many more. Other key ingredients that make the music even
more splendid are instruments like the Ksiang Shynrang and Ksing Kynthei.
Flutes and drums also from an integral part of the music of Meghalaya.
Various instruments like 'Tangmuri', 'Shaw Shaw', 'Nakra', 'Kising Padiah',
'Besli', 'Duitara' make the music of Meghalaya even more thrilling and
desirable.
| art
Crafts
of Meghalaya
Megalaya
is an important state of the north eastern part of India. Hand weaving is much
sought after vocation of the artisans here not only in cloth but also in cane.
The Khasis are famous for weaving cane mat, stools and baskets. Their special
kind cane mat called 'Tlieng', is famous for its durability which guarantees a
good utility span of around 20-30 years. Baskets, sleeping mats, winnowing
fans, rain shields manufactured out of plaited bamboo and cane are mostly found
in the rural areas. Jaintia fishing traps made of bamboo sticks are also noted
for functional beauty.
The
favourite women clothing of the Meghalaya is known as Dakbanda. These garments
are well decorated with depictions of beautiful flowers and butterflies, in
various colour combines. The Khasis have also been involved in extracting iron
ore and then manufacture domestic knives, utensils and even guns and other
warfare weapons using it.
In some
Jaintia and Garo villages, engravings of the figures of men and animals are
found on the house walls. Near Jowai, the carvings of a lover and his beloved
are seen which evoke acclaim even today for artistry and ingenuity in designing
| dance
Dances of
Meghalaya
Dances are held at an open ground under the open
sky or at public places. The traditional dances of Meghalaya are :
Nongkrem dance
Nongkrem Dance is a religious festival in
thanksgiving to God Almighty for good harvest, peace and prosperity of the
community. It is held annually during October - November, at Smit, the capital
of the Khyrim Syiemship near Shillong.
Shad Suk Mynsiem
This is a colourful thanksgiving festival
celebrated during the spring season all over Khasi Hills.
Virgins and menfolk dressed in traditional and colourful costumes participate
in the dance, which is accompanied by drums and pipes called tangmuri, the
queen of musical instruments.
Behdienkhlam
Behdienkhlam is celebrated annually in the monsoon
season in the month of July after the sowing period. It is the most important
dance festival of the Jaintias. The festival is primarily to invoke the
blessings of the Creator for a good harvest and to drive away disease and
plague.
Wangala
A major festival of the Garos, celebrated during
Autumn, after the harvesting season. The festival includes propitiation
ceremonies to the deity Patigipa Rarongipa, held in every village. It is
followed by other rituals for four days and nights, accompanied by dancing and
merriment. It culminates in the warrior's dance-the Dance of a Hundred Drums,
on the final day which is a spectacular sight.
Dorsegata Dance
Doregata Dance festival is another dance in which,
while dancing the women try to knock off the turbans of their male partners. If
the women succeed, it is followed by peals of laughter.
Lahoo Dance
The Lahoo Dance is performed by both male and
female for entertainment. Attired in their best costumes usually two young men
on either side of a woman, holding arms together dance in step. |
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