Dance of the Joyful Heart

Day 68 of our Pedal the Himalaya tour. I was privileged to photograph Albert ( a future tribal king) and his sister who kindly agreed to wear and adorn themselves with their indigenous attire. This was my first ever attempt at a portrait armed with an IPhone 14 Pro. The sunset became the perfect time to photograph and it highlighted their beautiful attire and adornments. They wear this stunning traditional clothing during their main festival Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem or Dance of the joyful heart. It is an annual thanksgiving dance. The beliefs and practices of the Khasi people is uniquely wonderful and can be studied separately. Contrary to popular belief a large part of the population in this region of the East Khasi Hills is non Christian and have animist beliefs, their Supreme being and creator is U Blei Nong-thaw and they worship the forces and elements of Nature. It is a fascinating part of our sub continents indigenous history.