The Monolith Festival 2016 came to a grand finish on Saturday night with thousands immersed in the rich musical and cultural display by various artistes who made the masses sway to their tunes. It was a brilliant setting at the Khasi Heritage Village, Mawphlang and an even better atmosphere created by the participation of tens of thousands who made the second edition of the Monolith Festival a grand success. Though rains threatened to disrupt the proceedings, the crowd was not the one to budge and held on to its position as the cultural extravaganza went on uninterrupted. On display on the third and final day of the event were various dance forms from different parts of Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Also in the stage were known names like Bennedict Hynniewta, Rana Kharkongor and the famous local band Snow White who thoroughly enthralled the crowd. A traditional fashion show and performance by Australian aboriginal group Nuragunya were other major attractions of the day. And then there was the merry making at the various food stalls which the people relished with equal zeal.
The last day of the event was also graced by the presence of District Council Affairs Minister HDR Lyngdoh, local MLA of Mawphlang, Kennedy Khyriem, UDP MLA, Jemino Mawthoh and a host of other MDCs including KHADC CEM PN Syiem. HDR Lyngdoh, while lauding the KHADC for organising the event expressed hope that the Fest will even go on to beat the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland in the years to come. PN Syiem, meanwhile, reiterated that unity, protection and growth of Khasi culture were the Council’s foremost concern. Other dignitaries present also urged the Khasi youths to stick to their roots and culture. Coming to the cultural performances, a dance performed by the Raid Nongkynrih, depicting legendary Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Singh’s battle against the British was displayed with utmost intensity drawing instant applause from the crowd which sat around the Khasi Heritage Village amphitheatre. The Jabulo dance was another item that drew tremendous applause. The fancied costumes of the dancers were especially a hit with the crowd.
The Australian aboriginal group Nuragunya, who were at the Fest for an exchange of culture, also displayed their way of life, culture and tradition through an animated dance. The three-member group also presented gifts to KHADC CEM PN Syiem and EM, Neil Antonio War stating that the Nuragunya have the custom of gifting people to whose lands they traverse to. The Australian tribe was also greeted in unison by the crowd which called out “wada” (hello in their local language). Not surprisingly, the visitors responded with a khublei. The traditional fashion show presenting maidens and young Khasi youths in the day to day attires of the Khasis was well received by a vocal crowd which appreciated every bit of the proceedings. Then was the turn of the man with the ‘golden flute’, Bennedict Hynniewta who mesmerized all and sundry with his soothing tunes.
The energetic performer got the crowd behind him almost immediately and the most enchanting moment of the performance came when lights were dimmed so as to enable every member of the crowd to on their mobile torch lights and sway it to the tune of the flute. It was a magical moment and the Khasi Heritage was indeed witnessing history. The renowned Rana Kharkongor was also at his animated best as he got the crowd into the act. Composed and jolly as always, he got the crowd to sing along as everyone stood up to show respect to what was a tribute to the Khasi race, culture and heritage. The best, of course was kept for the last. Snow White, the fusion hard rock band, immediately got the crowd on its feet. The dongmusa-lit amphitheatre arena against a sky pregnant with clouds rendered a divine setting to the Khasi Heritage Village as the band mixed traditional instruments with modern ones to create renditions so unique to them. In no time, the crowd got down to the lawn dancing to the tunes of numbers having a traditional touch as the Monolith Festival came to a grand finish.
