Shad Nongkrem Dance 2026: Dates, Smit Venue and How to Attend
The Nongkrem Dance 2026 is on 1 and 2 November at Smit, 15 km from Shillong. Dates, what happens, how to get there from Shillong, and etiquette for visitors.
The Shad Nongkrem, or Nongkrem Dance, is the biggest religious festival of the Khasi people of Hima Khyrim, held every year at Smit, about 15 km from Shillong. In 2026 the dance is on 1 and 2 November, as announced for the Hima Khyrim festival at Smit.
It is a thanksgiving for the harvest and a prayer for the prosperity of the Hima (the traditional Khasi state). It is not a show put on for tourists, but visitors are welcome to watch respectfully. This guide covers the dates, what happens, how to get to Smit from Shillong and the etiquette worth knowing.
Nongkrem Dance 2026 date and venue
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 1 and 2 November 2026 |
| Place | Smit, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya |
| Venue | Ing Sad grounds, the seat of the Syiem of Khyrim |
| Distance from Shillong | About 15 km |
| Festival length | A five-day celebration, with the dance on the main days |
The festival is organised by the Hima Khyrim and led by the Syiem (the traditional chief) and the high priestess of the Hima. Dates are fixed by the Hima each year, usually in October or November, so the date changes from year to year. If you are reading this for a later year, check the announced dates before you plan.
What is the Shad Nongkrem?
The festival takes its name from Nongkrem, the village that was once the seat of the Khyrim kingdom. Its full name is Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, which means the goat-sacrifice ceremony of Nongkrem. The ritual sacrifice is offered as thanks for the harvest and for the wellbeing of the people.
The dance itself is the part most visitors come for. Unmarried young women in rich silk dress and heavy gold and silver ornaments dance with slow, measured steps, while young men in traditional dress, with plumed turbans, swords and white yak-hair whisks, dance around them to the music of drums and the tangmuri pipe.
The Ing Sad at Smit
The heart of the festival is the Ing Sad, the thatched royal house of the Syiem of Khyrim. It is built in the traditional way, without metal, and is one of the finest surviving examples of Khasi architecture. The dancing takes place on the open ground in front of it.
How to reach Smit from Shillong
Smit is about 15 km from Shillong, on the road towards Laitlum. By taxi it takes 30–45 minutes on a normal day, longer on festival days.
- Taxi: the easiest option. Book a car for the day so you are not stuck looking for a ride back in the evening. See our Shillong car rental options.
- Shared taxi: shared vehicles run from Shillong towards Smit, but they fill up fast on festival days.
- Parking: space near the venue is limited, so expect to walk the last stretch.
Make a day of it: Laitlum Canyons is a short drive further on. If you want to stay out of the city, our Laitlum canyon camping puts you on the clifftop for sunset and sunrise.
Tips and etiquette for visitors
- Arrive early. The best spots around the dancing ground fill up by late morning.
- Dress modestly and keep shoulders covered. It is a religious occasion.
- Stay outside the dancing area and follow the volunteers' instructions.
- Ask before close-up photos of dancers, especially the women dancers, and never use flash in their faces. Drones need permission.
- Carry cash. Food stalls and local vendors rarely take cards.
- Bring a jacket. Early November afternoons in Smit are pleasant, but evenings get cold.
Plan your trip around the festival
Early November is a good time to be in Meghalaya: the monsoon is over, the skies are clear and the rivers are starting to turn clear again. From Shillong you can add:
- Dawki and the Umngot river, clear from November.
- Riverside camping at Dawki, from ₹1,000 per person with dinner and breakfast.
- Our full Meghalaya tour packages, with a car and driver from Guwahati.
For other festivals across the region, see our Northeast India festival calendar.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Nongkrem Dance in 2026?
The Nongkrem Dance 2026 is on 1 and 2 November at Smit, near Shillong.
Where is the Nongkrem Dance held?
At Smit in East Khasi Hills, on the grounds of the Ing Sad, the royal house of the Syiem of Khyrim. Smit is about 15 km from Shillong.
Is there an entry fee for the Nongkrem festival?
The festival has traditionally been open to the public without tickets. Arrangements can change, so check locally if you are travelling a long way for it.
Why is it called Ka Pomblang Nongkrem?
Pomblang means goat sacrifice, a key ritual of the festival, and Nongkrem is the village that was once the seat of the Khyrim kingdom.
Can tourists take photos at the Nongkrem Dance?
Yes, from the public areas. Ask before taking close-up photos of dancers, avoid flash, and don't fly a drone without permission.
How do I get to Smit from Shillong?
By taxi, in about 30 to 45 minutes. Shared taxis also run, but fill up quickly on festival days, so a car for the day is easier.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Shillong guide into a trip that fits your pace
If this guide is part of the kind of holiday you want, Breeziah can help shape the route, travel flow and stay style around your dates, comfort level and destination priorities.
