By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The KHADC has signed an agreement with the Hima Mawphlang for providing a plot of land near Law Kyntang (Sacred Groves) in Mawphlang for development of a traditional heritage village and for holding of the annual Monolith festival.
The agreement was signed by NK Lyngdoh, Lyngdoh (chief) of Hima Mawphlang and KHADC Executive Member (EM) in charge Art and Culture Teinwell Dkhar in the presence of the EMs and other officials of the Council on Monday.
According to the agreement, the Hima Mawphlang would provide land to develop the traditional heritage village wherein the annual Monolith Festival would be organised.
Through this annual Monolith Festival, the KHADC is planning showcase the indigenous culture and practices of the various Himas under the Council.
During the festival, all the 54 Himas under the council would be invited to showcase their culture and tradition in the form of dances, music, cuisines and attires.
Speaking to reporters after signing the agreement, Teinwell Dkhar said the council would develop the traditional heritage village to organize Monolith Festival.
When asked whether the Hima Mawphlang would be responsible for taking care of the infrastructures in the village, Dkhar said, “there is no such clause in the agreement”.
“We would start heritage village work shortly. We would like to hold the Monolith Festival in the first week or second week of December,” Dkhar said.
It may be mentioned that the council had allocated an amount of Rs 80 lakh for the development of the heritage village and for organizing the Monolith Festival. “We have sanctioned this amount following a reward from the 13th Finance Commission,” Dkhar said while adding that the KHADC was contemplating to approach Union ministries like DoNER, Culture and Tribal Affairs for financial assistance.
