KHADC begins ground work, delegation inspects venue — Khasi Heritage village
SHILLONG, Aug 10: In a bid to add grandeur to the Monolith Festival slated for December this year, a delegation of KHADC started ground work for the event by inspecting the venue — Khasi Heritage village in Mawphlang.
The KHADC delegation comprised the Executive Members (EMs) and officials of the Council who were led by the chairman, Lamphrang Blah.
So far, the KHADC has hosted the festival twice — in 2011 and again in 2016. There were efforts by many of the previous Executive Committees of the Council in the past few years to revive this festival. But their attempts never attained fruition.
Speaking to reporters, KHADC chairman said that they have set a target of making this festival an annual event.
With the support of Meghalaya Tourism, the KHADC is expecting the festival to be bigger and better this year.
According to the chairman, the Council has made an assessment of the steps required to prepare for the venue.
He reposed faith in the festival stating that it has managed to attract the masses in the past that were keen to experience the diverse and rich culture of the Khasis.
Blah said that the sacred forest (Law Kyntang) which is very close to the venue is an added attraction.
Talking about the course of action in readying the venue, Blah said that some of the thatch houses require renovation.
“We are not hosting this event for generating revenue. We are holding this festival to showcase our rich culture and tradition,” the KHADC chairman said.
He also stated that a committee will be formed to help better organise the festival.
Meanwhile, Executive Member Rangkynsai Kharbuki said that the Council is yet to decide what amount to earmark to host the festival.
Earlier, KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem had said that the decision of the Council to revive the festival was to showcase the rich traditional culture and heritage of the Khasi tribes.
The CEM said that this year, it will be different since the Tourism department will collaborate with the Council in organising the event. “I can only say it is going to be bigger and better,” he said.
According to the CEM, tourists from outside the state and even abroad would arrive to attend the festival to experience the Khasi culture and tradition.
He said that the festival aims to bring the rich traditional cultural heritage of the Khasis under one roof to be showcased.
“The festival has been conceptualised with an aim not only to showcase to the world but also to promote and preserve our rich cultural heritage,” the CEM had said.