SHILLONG, OCT 15: Bringing the rich traditional cultural heritage of the Khasis under ‘one-roof’, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is all set to organize the first of its kind – “Monolith Festival” with an objective to showcase, promote, preserve and conserve the tribal indigenous cultures.
The two days Monolith Festival
“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 at the upcoming festival,” Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum (KHCF) chairman Titus Chyne told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday.
He said, these Himas will be displaying and showcasing their own rich traditional cultures right from food, sports, medicines, attires, dance, songs and others.
Famous traditional games like archery and those which were almost forgotten by the present generation will 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,” the chairman highlighted.
He said, “The festival has been conceptualized with an aim not only to showcase to the world but also to promote and preserve our rich 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 slowly degrading 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 of promoting economic condition of the people, he 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 will no longer feel the need to move out of their villages,” adding “It is aim at bringing revenue to the people through showcasing their rich cultures.”
KHCF member secretary, Alan West said, “This will be one of the most unique and first ever festival to be held in the entire State,” adding “Indigenous people will come together under one common platform to celebrate the rich Khasi cultures.”
“Apart, the festival is also to expose our indigenous cultures beyond our boundary, attracting people from across the globe to come and witness the festival,” he added.
The total expenditure for entire two days events is estimated to be around Rs 60 – 80 lakhs.
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 promoting the tourism sector which is one of main priority set by the State government.
War however announced that the festival will be held annually in the coming years.
Urging the people to participate in the fest, he 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 next month.
The Heritage village is a permanent structure which aims to provide a platform for showcasing our rich cultural heritage, Chyne said adding “Village has in it traditional constructed Ampi Theatre, food code, museum, Umshangiar (spring water) and others.”
With this, Mawphlang village has added another feather to its cap after being globally famous for its “Sacred Grove”.
Meanwhile, the KHCF has also appeal to the pro ILP NGOs to consider their decision to call agitational programmes during the two days since the event is all about promoting and preservation of the richness of the indigenous tribal people.- By Our Reporter
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