Guv to inaugurate festivities
SHILLONG: The much awaited three-day cultural extravaganza- Monolith Festival 2016 – an initiative of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, will kick off at the Khasi Heritage Village, Mawphlang at 12.30 PM on Thursday. The Festival will be inaugurated by Governor V. Shanmuganathan.
The festival aims to bring together the fifty-three Himas of the Khasis to one common stage of cultural display and at the same time become a taste of the senses for visitors driven by an interest in learning about the myriad aspects of a culture – to go on a path of discovery of their roots, or to come just out of pure natural curiosity and a willingness to indulge in what the festival has to offer.
The event will have a lot on offer for every visitor with a number of cultural performances, workshops, indigenous sports events, stage performances etc., lined up for the three-day extravaganza.
One also cannot afford to miss out the indigenous delicacies among others on offer as 120 odd stalls are being set up to cater to the taste buds of the thousands and more who plan a trip to Mawphlang in the next three days.
The Festival would also bring about an international exchange of cultures. Nuragunya, an Aboriginal Band from Australia will take part in a landmark cultural exchange initiative to bring ancient cultures steeped in oral and musical history to a common platform.
On Thursday, the cultural extravaganza will be set rolling with the Snap Paka drum ensemble at the main stage at 1 PM followed by the performance of the Monolith Festival theme song.
A host of other exciting activities including cultural performances by Raids Hoppatti, Raid Nongkharai, Khasi Jaintia Troupe from Barak Valley etc., have been lined up for the day, in additioan to a special performance by fusion band Summersalt.
Also featuring in the Festival would be bands like Na Rympei, a folk fusion band with eclectic inspirations and aspirations to further folk music and the famed Snow White, whose 2003 album ‘U Rangdajied’ established the band as a pioneer in fusing Khasi musical instruments with western musical instruments, among several other musical groups.
The Monolith Festival will guarantee a complete experience of the Khasi way of life.
From the traditional bargain and shop markets selling fresh produce to picking up that favourite indigenous delicacy from the stalls, all will be encompassed by the event.
The event will also have on display tools and materials excavated at Sohpetbneng (aka the navel of the earth) dating back to 1220 BC in the Museum at the Monolith Festival.
It is also an environment friendly initiative and the Khasi Heritage Village will be a no plastic zone during the Festival. Entry to the event is free.