By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The uniqueness and distinctiveness of the Mawphlang Sacred Grove which is attracting a lot of tourists from other states and abroad as well requires more recognition to boost the economic income of the village and the state as a whole.
Keeping this in mind, the Mawphlang Lyngdohship has decided to organise the 5-day Hima Mawphlang Cultural Extravaganza 2011 from October 3 to 7 at the vicinity of the famous Mawphlang Sacred Grove which will showcase the culture and traditions of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday, one of the organizers, Banlum Blah said the grove still lacks exploration compared to the other tourist spots in the state. He pointed out that last year, out of the 6 and half lakhs tourists who visited the state, only 40,000 of them visited the grove.“If there is a flow of tourists it means increase in the economy and this flow could provide employment to a large number of unemployed youth in the area”, Blah asserted.
To a query on organising the festival at this time of the year, Blah said October is mainly the month where there is a huge flow of tourists to the state so it is a good opportunity to make our traditions known to the world.
Meanwhile, highlighting on the activities in the festival, another organizer, NK Lyngdoh said besides popularizing the sacred grove, the association also aims to revive the traditional dances and practices of the various Himas in the state.
The 5-day event will showcase the traditional dances and music on ethnic instruments, traditional narration of folk tales also known as (Phawar in Khasi), display of traditional attire and orientation and traditional ‘no-frills’ organic food and beverages.
Besides these, guided tour of Mawphlang Sacred Grove for a physical knowledge of rare herbs, orchids, flowers and plant species will also be organise and trekking (with guides) on the 14kms bridal path between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang which is commonly known as the ‘David Scott Trail’ will also be conducted during the 5-day event.
The timing of the 5-day cultural programme was scheduled to start from 4 till 7pm and the entry fee is Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for infants.