Nongkrem Festival of Meghalaya and Associated Tribe

The question asks about the tribe that celebrates the Nongkrem festival in Meghalaya. Understanding the cultural landscape of Meghalaya, particularly its major tribes and their significant festivals, is key to answering this question.

What is the Nongkrem Festival?

The Nongkrem festival is one of the most important thanksgiving festivals celebrated in Meghalaya. It is essentially an annual harvest festival. The festival involves various rituals, dances, and sacrifices performed to appease the goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich harvest, peace, and prosperity.

Key aspects of the Nongkrem festival include:

• It is primarily a thanksgiving festival for a good harvest.
• It involves religious rituals led by the head of the traditional state (Syiem) and the high priest (Lyngdoh).
• Traditional dances like the Shad Nongkrem are performed.
• Offerings and sacrifices are made.

Which Tribe Celebrates Nongkrem Festival?

The Nongkrem festival is traditionally celebrated by the Khasi tribe. Specifically, it is celebrated by the people of the Hima Mylliem, a traditional administrative division headed by the Syiem of Mylliem, who belongs to the Khasi community. The festival is held at Smit, near Shillong, which is the cultural centre of the Khasi tribe.

Analysis of Options:

Let's look at the given options:

• Aptani Tribe: The Aptani tribe is primarily found in Arunachal Pradesh, not Meghalaya. Their main festivals are different from Nongkrem, such as Mopin and Myoko.
• Khasi tribe: The Khasi tribe is one of the major tribes of Meghalaya, along with the Garo and Jaintia tribes. The Nongkrem festival is a significant cultural event of the Khasi community, specifically the sub-tribe known as the Hynniewtrep.
• Tutsa Tribe: The Tutsa tribe is found in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the Changlang district. They are not associated with the Nongkrem festival of Meghalaya.
• Galo tribe: The Galo tribe is also a major tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Their important festivals include Mopin. They are not associated with the Nongkrem festival in Meghalaya.

Based on the cultural practices and geographical distribution of these tribes, the Khasi tribe is the correct answer as they are the ones who celebrate the Nongkrem festival in Meghalaya.

Conclusion

The Nongkrem festival, a vibrant thanksgiving event involving rituals and dances, is a cultural cornerstone of the Khasi people residing in Meghalaya.

Revision Table: Key Facts on Nongkrem Festival

• Festival Name: Nongkrem Festival
• Location: Meghalaya, India (specifically Smit, near Shillong)
• Celebrated by: Khasi tribe
• Type: Thanksgiving harvest festival
• Significance: To appease goddess Ka Blei Synshar for good harvest, peace, and prosperity.
• Main Activities: Rituals led by Syiem and Lyngdoh, Shad Nongkrem dance, offerings.

Additional Information: Tribes of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is known for its rich tribal heritage. The three major tribes are:

• Khasi: Predominantly in the central and eastern parts of Meghalaya. They are known for their unique matriarchal social structure. Major festivals include Nongkrem and Shad Suk Mynsiem.
• Garo: Primarily in the western part of Meghalaya. They also have a matrilineal society. Their main festival is Wangala, a harvest festival dedicated to the sun god.
• Jaintia: Found in the eastern part of Meghalaya (Jaintia Hills). They are culturally close to the Khasi but have their own distinct customs and festivals, such as Behdeinkhlam.

Understanding the distribution and key festivals of these major Meghalayan tribes is important for general knowledge about the state and its culture.