SHILLONG, MAR 31: Fascinated over the diverse and uniqueness of the Khasi culture and heritage displayed at the 2nd
Monolith Festival, Meghalaya governor on Thursday vowed to learn Khasi language even as he emphasized on ‘driving force’ to further preserve and strengthen the culture.
Governor V Shanmuganathan, who was made to dress in traditional attires as he made his first maiden visit to the Khasi Heritage village at Mawphlang to declare the 3-day festival open, said, “Your heritage of great culture has fascinated me.”
Stating that he must try to learn Khasi language, Shanmuganathan went on to declared, “From today, the governor will be a student to learn the Khasi language.”
Terming the festival as a window to the rich cultural heritage of the Khasi tribes, he said, “It will not only bring together the specialty and genius of entire tribes but will protect and preserve their tradition, culture and social customs.”
Urging the need to maintain the driving force towards promoting and conserving this rich heritage, the governor said, “If you don’t, the static condition will slowly bring down the culture.”
Shanmuganathan was also of opinion that the ‘Khasi culture’ should become the best example for the rest of India in term that its society have high respect for women and free from dowry and female foeticide.
On the other hand, the governor said that there are also shortcomings that need to be rectified by ensuring employment opportunity to the youths and taking care of the health facilities of pregnant women and children in the state.
He also said the problem of single mother should come to an end besides the society needs to strengthen the Khasi language in order for the society to move forward in all aspects.
“You must think about this as it is the duty and responsibility of all concerns,” the governor appealed.
Organized by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), the monolith festival also welcomed an Austrilian tribe, who are keen to exchange ideas and culture.
Greeting the people “Wada” which means heloo, Particia Roberts and her team from the Budowainge tribe said, “We are here to exchange and share our culture and we will also learn your culture which we are keen to take back with us.”
The traditional structures of the 53 Himas of the Khasi Hills at the heritage village continue to mesmerize the visitors including foreign tourist at the festival besides the food, the songs and dances.
An added innovation in the heritage is the ‘hanging root bridge’ and the big market depicting the traditional trade of the Khasis which has also captivated the visitors in line with the theme song of festival – “Feel Culture”.
People also thronged the traditional museum as it display tools and materials dating back to the Neolithic age (1220 BC) found after excavations were carried out on a site in Khasi hills.
Earlier the master-mind of the Khasi heritage village and monolith festival, KHADC chief Pynshngainlang N Syiem said the concept of the festival is to preserve and showcase the rich culture and tradition of the Khasis.
While informing that district council had recently passed the KHAD (Conservation and Preservation of Khasi Social Custom and Tradition) Bill, 2016 to ensure the festival is held every year, Syiem also urged the Governor to approve the bill.-By Our Reporter
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