Umsan Nongkharia is a festival that is celebrated by the
Khasis in
Meghalaya. It falls in the month of April or May.
The festival begins with the ceremonial sacrifice of a goat and two cocks in front of Lei Shyllong, the supreme deity of the Khasis. On the first day prayers are offered at midnight. Following the prayer, men perform dances and the performance lasts till sunrise. On the second day, they pray to get protection from storm and frozen rain. Prayers are done for material prosperity on the third day. A symbolic rite is held in the next day also. Public worship (Knia Shoh Dohkha) is conducted and special gifts are offered on the final day (fifth day) of the festival.
