Music of Nongkrem Dance Festival

Music of Nongkrem Dance Festival

The music of Nongkrem Dance Festival forms an important aspect of the festivities as the men and women of the Khasi tribe partake in it.

The members of the Khasi tribe are fond of music, which is an integral part of the Nongkrem Dance Festival. During the religious ceremony of the Nongkrem Dance Festival, there are about 70 types of tunes. The Syiem’s musicians, especially the drummers, have to familiarise themselves with the 32 rhythms, each of which has a specific role to play in the Nongkrem Dance.

Overview of Music of Nongkrem Dance Festival
The musical instruments mainly used are cymbals, drums and ranging pipes, which accompany not only the dances but also the ritualistic sacrifice of goats and chicken. The tune played during the time of dancing is known as ‘Sing Masteih’. The drummers are known as 'Dhulias' and the use of big drums like ‘nakra’ and ‘bom’ are a major part during the dancing.

Usually one big drum is played and two musicians play the ‘Tangmouri’, which is the flute. The sound of a ‘tangmouri’ resembles a bagpipe. Other instruments like the ‘Padia’ or a pair of cymbals is also played and a kind of tom-tom known as ‘Ksing’ is used as well. The ‘Ksing’ is prepared of soil and is struck with the help of sticks. The orchestra group is made to sit in one corner of the dancing area on a raised platform. The audience either sits or stands on a given open space around the field.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com.

Recently Updated Articles in Indian Dances


•	Swang Dance Swang is an Indian folk dance drama which focuses on various mythological and social topics. This folk dance is performed in Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.

•	Kalashram - Dance Academy Kalashram is an institute for Kathak aspirants, founded by the Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj.

•	Kalabhavan Dance Kalabhavan is a landmark Indian dance academy in Kerala, founded by Dr. Abel C.M.I in 1969.

•	Folk Dances of Chandel Folk Dances of Chandel District beautifully showcase the culture of the region. Paite Dance, Thadou Kuki Dance, Tarao War Dance are some of the famous folk dances of the district.

•	Bhuta Kola Dance Bhuta Kola is an ancient ritual of spirit worship practiced by the tulu nadu people and includes music, dance, dialogue and theatrics.

E-magazine

Subscribe to E-Magazine on Art & Culture