Leaving no stone unturned to ensure hassle-free event: Organisers
SHILLONG: As many as 26 schools have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Monolith Festival which will be organised from March 31 to April 2 with an aim to educate and exhibit to the ‘next generation’, among others, the traditional skills and way of life. Preparations are on in full swing for the Festival to be held at the Khasi Heritage Village, Mawphlang.
To take stock of the ongoing preparations, KHADC Chief Executive Member P.N. Syiem, KHADC Executive member Neil Antonio War, member-secretary Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum (KHCF) Alan West Kharkongor and Mawlai MDC P.T. Sawkmie, among others, visited the Khasi Heritage Village on Tuesday.
During a brief interaction with a section of the media at the Festival venue, the KHADC CEM revealed that a hanging bridge, which is currently under construction at the Khasi Heritage Village, will be an added attraction during the Monolith Fest.
The flexible bridge, which is a common feature in most villages of the Khasi Hills, will connect the Khasi Heritage Village to the area where traditional cuisines and delicacies will be on display during the Festival.
Meanwhile, elaborate arrangements are being made to ensure that the Monolith Festival is a smooth sail as far as traffic, parking and food arrangements are concerned.
“We are in talks with locals for additional parking space in the area,” War said adding that hundreds of volunteers will coordinate with the traffic personnel to ensure glitch-free flow of vehicles.
Meanwhile, as many as 121 food stalls will be set up outside the Khasi Heritage Village to cater to the thousands who are expected to turn up for the Festival.
Elaborate arrangements are also being made to ensure that there is no short supply of food during the Festival, the organizers informed. Pre-booking of food will also be a feature during the Festival.
The Monolith Festival, which aims to serve as a melting pot of all the cultural features of the different Himas (traditional states) and Raids within the jurisdiction of the Khasi Hills in one common arena, will also be of educational interest where students will get an opportunity to attend workshops on various indigenous skills.
War informed that as many as 26 schools from the city have confirmed their participation in the event and buses equipped with guides will be used to ferry the students to the venue.
“The guides will brief students about the Festival on their way to the venue,” War said.
While the Khasi Heritage Village will be a hub of cultural activities and will house stalls of handloom, handicrafts etc., during the Festival, food items would be available in a traditional arena set up just outside the village.