Music of Nongkrem Dance Festival

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.

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