NONGPOH: A two-day annual festival aims at preserving the culture and tradition of Hima 12 Lyngdoh in Ri Bhoi District inaugurated on Wednesday by the local legislator of Jirang constituency, Sosthenes Sohtun in a function held at NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem.
The festival ‘Pynneh La Riti’ which was organised by the Confederation of Sports, Arts, and Culture (CSAC) also witnessed the participation of traditional heads, youths from various parts of the Hima 12 Lyngdoh in their traditional attires.
The event commenced with a procession from MUDA Complex, Nongpoh and culminated at NSCA Stadium, Pahamsyiem.
Chairman of the CSAC, Augustine Wahlang informed that the main objective of the festival is to preserve the culture and traditions of the people of Hima 12 Lyngdoh including the need to seek the government’s nod in declaring a holiday during one of popular traditional festival known as ‘Shad Sajer’ which was held annually at the sacred grove of Raid Nonglyngdoh.
Wahlang further said that it is high time that the traditional practices of the people should be revived and preserve in order for the tribes to survive for generations to come. “Many small tribes of the world have lost and vanished from existence, we don’t want that to happen to our tribes. Therefore, we feel that by organising this kind of festival, it will help the new generations to learn about our culture and traditions which had been practiced since time immemorial by our ancestors” he added.
Addressing the festival as chief guest, the local legislator of Jirang, Sosthenes Sohtun lauded the initiative of Hima 12 Lyngdoh and the CSAC for organising such festival.
