Welcome : The Official Website of the District Administration, West Khasi Hills

Cultural Activities :

Khasi society has greatly been transformed by many factors which have arisen in recent times. Adoption of the Western style of life, especially among the literate and educated, have been quite rapid although the matrilineal laws of inheritance and succession and the other cultural traits are still retained.

Richness of Cultural Heritages

Culture

The social and cultural events of West Khasi hills district is similar to that of East Khasi Hills. Except for seasonal celebration in the village where song and dance are held, there is no district festival worth mentioning. The dances of significance with a distinctive style are the " Lyngngam dance" where men in dhoti and turban and women in sarong type of clothing dance to the beat of different drums (Ksing) and Flute (Besli), the Shad Kiew Iing, Shad Mastieh & the Shad SukMynsiem.

Shad Kiewiing

In respect of dress, a skirt, either of cotton or end type, is used by womenfolk over which an apron (kyrshah) is suspended from the left shoulder and loops down to the legs. In outdoor use, however, a (jainsem) mostly nylon made, is suspended from both the shoulders looping down below the knee. A head cover (Tapmohkhlieh) is fastened behind the neck and loops down to cover the upper part of the body.
Among men's dress, the traditional sleeveless coat, waist girdle and dhoti with turban or woolen head gear have been abandoned by most males. Instead, modern dress with pant, shirt and coat or jacket have been adopted. However, most males still use the wrapper (Ryndia Tlem) over their coats, during the cold season.

Archery is the most popular traditional sport in rural parts of the district while among modern games, football, basketball and badminton have caught on with the majority of the young people. Hunting and fishing are the seasonal sports which engage people as recreational activities, and community hunting by using tracking dogs is still being practised. Another recreation activity is the bull fight which is being organised occasionally for gambling and betting.

Bow and Arrow

Music occupies a central position in the cultural life of the people, especially the youth. Indigenous instruments such as the "duitara" (4-stringed instrument), "besli" (flute), "nakra" and "bom" (percussions) are still in use. The district boasts of a number of composers, radio and stage artistes. With the advent of Christianity, about a century and a half ago, music forms an integral part of worship for both young and old. Apart from being gifted singers, they have further attained proficiency in reading staff and tonic solfa notations. Traditional Drum

Another significant social factor is the institution of an "8 days-a-week" market system which is still being adopted in the district. The distinct characteristic of these markets, commonly known as "Iew", is that they serve not only as places for trading activites but also as rendezvous for socialisation, business transaction and other festivities like holding of fetes, fairs, sports and games, etc. These markets are held after every eight days in different places on different days.