“Monolith festival” to showcase rich Khasi culture

SHILLONG, AUG 29: To showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Khasis under one-roof, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will organize a “Monolith Festival”- first of its kind- with to promote, preserve and conserve the tribal indigenous cultures.

The two days “Monolith Festival” will be held on October 25 and 26 at the famous heritage-village’ Mawphlang constructed at a 7 acres land in East Khasi hills district.

“As many as 53 traditional Himas (kingdoms) from different parts of Ri Bhoi, East, West and South West Khasi hills districts will be taking part in the upcoming two days festival,” Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum (KHCF) chairman Titus Chyne told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.

Chyne said, the Himas will be displaying and showcasing their rich traditional food, sports, medicines, attires, dance, songs and others.

Famous traditional games like archery and those which were almost forgotten by the present generation will also be displayed. The way of living and way of dressing, traditional way of medication through herbs, folk songs and dances are some of the activities to be displayed during the festival.

“We are also trying to bring in traditional handicrafts and traditional huts in the festival,” Chyne informed. He said, “The festival has been conceptualized with an aim not only to showcase to the world but also to promote and preserve the rich Khasi cultural heritage.”

Echoing similar views, KHADC EM in-charge of finance Antonio  War said, “Westernization and internet has further infiltrated into our society which is the main cause of degradation of our own cultures. With this festival, it will give opportunity to the young generation to learn more about their own cultures.”

Stating that the festival is also part for promoting economic condition of the people, War said, “This will further ensure that rural to urban migration in search of employment will reduce. This will open up avenue to the rural people to be self employed and no longer feel the need to move out of their villages.” He was of the opinion that the festival will hopefully bring revenue to the people by showcasing their rich cultures.

KHCF member secretary Alan West feel this festival will be one of the most unique and first ever festival to be held in the state And said, “Indigenous people will come together under one common platform to celebrate the rich Khasi cultures.”

“The festival will also expose our indigenous cultures beyond our boundary, attracting people from across the globe to come and witness the festival,” West added.

The KHADC is funding up to Rs 40 lakhs for the festival which is expected to take the rich cultural aspects of the Khasis to new heights and also promoting the tourism sector which is one of main priority set by the state government.

The festival will be an annual affair.

Urging the people to participate in the festival, War said, “If it is comfortable for the people, the dress code for the people will be traditional attires.”

Meanwhile, the heritage village which is still under construction is expected to be completed by September.

The Heritage village is a permanent structure which aims to provide a platform for showcasing our rich cultural heritage, Chyne said adding “Village has the traditional constructed Ampi Theatre, food code, museum, Umshangiar (spring water) and others.”

With this, Mawphlang village will also be showcased to the world which is already famous globally as the “Sacred Grove”. – By Our Reporter