Never ending festivities in Garo hills

Goalpara district of Assam and North Garo Hills district of Meghalaya on Monday saw people converging to celebrate the advent of 2017 and perform the annual "Song Kristan" Dance at Nishangram and Bangsi A'pal in North Garo Hills.

Over 10,000 people took part in the event, singing Garo songs and praising the almighty for the advent of New Year.

Their euphoria and their rich way of living dominated the region, which can be felt beyond Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The bordering villages of Assam and Meghalaya yesterday came alive with the sounds of drums, cymbals and flute as thousand marched through the street dancing, singing and praising the almighty Lord Jesus Christ.

The villagers showcased the age-old practice of Song Kristan, which literally means Christian Dance.

"It is basically a dance form, which is being celebrated since time immemorial by our forefathers, when they accepted Christ as their saviour", said Sengman Momin, a music teacher from Tura, who witnessed the event.

As a hub for a mass performance of 'Song Kristan' Dance every year, this district celebrates the event in December and January. Mostly children and youths from the village go around singing and dancing to different households and collect donation, which is used for mass picnic and feasting during Christmas and New Year.

"The mass 'Song Kristan' Dance is being celebrated in different parts of North Garo Hills for about two decades now. The main aim is to give impetus to our culture and Garos' way of celebration. The season of Christmas provides the perfect time for us to host the event as most people are back home and can take part", remarked Momin.