Come FIFA WC, Ri Bhoi to celebrate Niangtaser

NONGPOH: As the world eagerly waits for the FIFA World Cup this year, the Ri Bhoi Tourism and Environmental Development Forum (RBTEDF) is preparing for a different kind of ‘world cup’ event.
RBTEDF, in collaboration with Saiden Socio and Cultural Club, is gearing up to organise ‘Niang World Cup’, locally known as ‘Niangtaser’.
Niangtaser is a kind of insect that comes from the beetle family. It appears once in every four years and starts showing up from April and stops in May.
The two-day festival of Niangtaser will be held on May 4 and 5 at Iewsir in Saiden near Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Ri Bhoi. Shillong MP Vincent Pala is likely to grace the festival.
Addressing a press conference held on Thursday at Saiden Community Hall, Chairman of Ri Bhoi Tourism and Environmental Forum Plielad Tiewsoh said the aim of the festival is to preserve this kind of insect that emerges from the earth once every four years, and “coincides with the FIFA World Cup”.
Various events like fishing competition, bonfire, traditional food fest, traditional dance, fancy dress, apart from camping, will be organised from May 4. The festival will conclude with a DJ night.
The festival will also focus on making people aware of the importance of preservation of the environment, forest and animals.