PEOPLE AND CULTURE

(a). The inhabitants of the Block are mostly Khasis. A few non-tribals and other tribals are also inhabiting some villages.

(b). Language- Language spoken is Khasi.

(c). Religion- 1) Christianity 2) Non Christians.

(d). Caste/Tribe- Most of the inhabitants belongs to khasi Scheduled Tribe.

(e). Festival- Shad Suk Mynsiem at Baniun, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter etc.

(f). Dress- Men wearing pant, shirt and coat. Women wearing Jainsem and Tapmohkhlieh. Young girls wear frock, shirt or blouse.

(g). Ornaments- Khasi women wear ornaments like necklace, bangles mostly made of pure gold. Rings are used by both men & women, but more popular with women. In the past, earrings was found popular with both men & women. At present only women put on these earrings. 

(h). Food- Rice is the staple food of the people. They also eat meat, fish and vegetables. Soft drinks locally prepared from fermented rice are also a common drink of the people.

(i). Music- The most popular indigenous musical instruments are Duitara, Drums, Mieng, Nakra, Marynthing, Sharati, Tangmuri, Shakuriaw, Donpulo etc.

(j). Dance- Shad Suk Mynsiem at Baniun.

(k).Folk tales- The Khasis believed that Shyllong Peak is the abode of the deity known as u "Lei Shyllong" meaning Shyllong God. It is said that the "Lei Shyllong" was responsible for the creation & the origin of the then Shyllong Syienship.

(l). Sports- The favourite sports are hunting, fishing and archery.

(m). Employment/Activities- 80% of the total population are engaged in Agriculture.