SHILLONG: The rich tradition and culture of Meghalaya will no longer be confined to the hills as the state government is planning to promote local dance forms in a big way.
Taking a cue from the famous Hornbill festival of Nagaland, the state is discussing a similar festival and competitions to bring out the uniqueness and the little known dances of the various tribes and clans.
Arts and Culture Minister AL Hek admitted that the state has not been able to market the huge potential as far as its culture is concerned and local dances can promote state tourism in a big way.
Hek also stressed the need to preserve and promote the dance forms apart from the usual dances commonly exhibited during government functions or festivals. He was of the view that a confluence of various traditional dance forms is required and the government is in talks to hold a mega traditional festival.
“There is no limit to the benefit that the state can get after promoting and showcasing local dances throughout the country and the world,” he said and added that preserving the rich tradition is also important.
Dances in Meghalaya are usually associated to festivals like the — Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, an annual spring dance that celebrates the harvesting and sowing seasons, Ka Pom-Blang Nongkrem, the Nongkrem dance which is a part of the religious festival, Ka-Shad Shyngwiang-Thangiap, a ceremonial dance that expresses sorrow, and Laho Dance, which forms a part of the Behdienkhlam festival.
Apart from these dances there are many more forms of dances from different parts of the state which is little known.
