SHILLONG: In a bid to showcase the traditional cultural heritage of the local indigenous people, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is all set to organize the first-of-its-kind ‘Monolith Festival’ later this month.
The Festival which would showcase, promote, preserve and conserve the tribal indigenous cultures will be organised on October 25 and 26 at the first ‘Heritage Village’ constructed at a 5 acre plot of land in Mawphlang village.
Addressing a press conference here in the city on Tuesday, Sohra legislator and chairman of Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum (KHCF), Titos Chyne, informed that 53 traditional Himas (kingdoms) from different parts of Ri Bhoi, East, West and South West Khasi Hills districts will take part in the event.
In the event, the Himas will be displaying and showcasing their own rich traditional cultures ranging from food, sports, medicines, attires, dance, songs and others.
Famous traditional games like archery and others, which are almost unknown to 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 which would also be on display during the two-day event.
“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,” Chyne told reporters.
Echoing similar views, KHADC Executive Member in charge of Finance, Antonio War, said, “Westernization and the internet have infiltrated our society which is the main cause of slow degradation of our cultures. This Festival will give an opportunity to the young generation to learn more about their own cultures.”
The total expenditure for the two-day event is estimated to be around Rs 60-80 lakh.
The KHADC is funding up to Rs 40 lakh for the Festival which is expected to take the rich cultural aspects of the Khasis to new heights, thereby promoting the Tourism sector which is one of main priority set by the State Government.
War also announced that the Festival would become an annually affair in the coming years.
The Heritage Village at Mawphlang, which is still under construction, is expected to be completed next month.
“It is a permanent structure which aims to provide a platform for showcasing our rich cultural heritage,” Chyne said, adding, “The Village will have a traditionally constructed amphitheatre, food code, museum, Umshangiar (spring water) and others.” Meanwhile, the Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum appealed to the pro-ILP pressure groups to refrain from calling any agitational programmes during the two days, since the event is all about promoting and preserving the richness of the indigenous tribal people.