NONGPOH: Chief Advisor to the government, Dr DD. Lapang, attended the 10th Raid Nongtung Annual Cultural Festival which is also known as Ka Shad Lakhempong organised by the Dorbar Raid Nongtung comprises of 22 villages of Ri Bhoi District held at the playground of Mangkathiang Memorial U.P School Umpowin in the presence of R.V. Lyngdoh, Minister Incharge of Arts and Culture as the guest of honour, Ricky Nelson Syiem, Syiem of Hima Mylliem, C.P Gotmare IAS, Deputy Commissioner, R. Singh IPS, D.P Kharsati, P.Khonglah, BDO of Umsning C&RD Block and other distinguish guests amidst large number of people gathered at the function.
Ka Shad Lakhempong is a ceremonial dance which is held annually at different localities which is under the jurisdiction of Raid Nongtung and this festival showcase the rich cultural dances of Raid Nongtung.
Speaking on the occasion, Lapang lauded the Dorbar of Raid Nongtung under the leadership of the Syiem Raid for taking the initiative in revitalising the existence of cultural festival which deems to have extinct from the Raid. He expressed his gladness for being part of the festival particularly to associate himself with the people living at the far-flung areas.
He applauded that such programme will enrich in imparting, motivating and promoting the distinctive and uniqueness of the cultural dances.
“In this age of science and technology and other educational advancement we should not leave behind and ignore our cultural heritage and others,” Lapang said.
He stressed on the youths and school children who are the assets for the bright future of tomorrow to protect, preserve and inculcate the distinct and uniqueness of the culture, tradition, practice and usages.
“Ri Bhoi is that region which has been really blessed by God for its fertility and richness in natural resources and people of Raid Nongtung should exploit the fertility of the soil and work hard to uplift the socio-economic income. But at the same time, you must also preserve lands.” Lapang said.
Lastly, he congratulated at the glittering performance of dancers who participated on the day and he do hoped that this festival would enable to pass on the benefits to the next generation.
R.V Lyngdoh, Minister of State Government while speaking at the gathering, lauded and appreciated the efforts taken by the organisers in conducting the festival annually as a mean to preserve the rich culture of the people of Raid Nongtung through Ka Shad Lakhempong.
