Villagers asked to preserve cultural identity

Nongpoh: The two-day Shad Sajer festival cum 25th Industrial exhibition was inaugurated by D. Phawa, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District at the Lawkyntang, Raid Nongkhrah on Friday. Around 45 entrepreneurs and cooperative societies from all over the district took part in the exhibition, showcasing their hand-woven products and cloths, agricultural products, handicrafts, food processing etc including government departments like Social Welfare, Election, and Veterinary among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Phawa congratulated the Dorbar Raid for their initiative in the preservation of the rich culture the area has, like Ka Shad Shut-wait, Ka Put-mieng, Ka Shad Dong Dong, Ka Shad mastieh, Ka Shad Malaho, Ka Shad Rah Kynthei, Ka Shad Ainguh (Traditional dances) and others. The government, through the department of Arts & Culture, is trying to preserve the rich culture of the people of the state and therefore urged the elders of the Raid Nongkhrah to approach the concerned department for help of any form, she added.
She called upon everyone to work together with the elders of the Raid in the preservation of their culture and tradition so that they can preserve their identity. She further said that a tribe or community will lose its identity and hence urged the people particularly the youths to learn and practice traditional musical instruments and dance forms so that they can be passed on to the next generation.
The event was organised by the dorbar Raid Nongkhrah in collaboration with the office of the General Manager District Commerce and Industries Centre, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh.