Sohphlang Festival 2023
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 22: The first ever Sohphlang Festival 2023 at Mawkynrew attracted visitors from near and far to acknowledge the unique tuber plant with potential medicinal value.
The festival provides a special opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the greatness of the unique fruit, Sohphlang – the ‘pride produce’ of the region which is also a cash crop of the season.
The event was jointly organised by the Seng Samla Catholic, Holy Cross Parish, Mawkynrew along with the Arts & Culture and Tourism departments among others on Saturday.
Mawkynrew MLA, Banteidor Lyngdoh lauded the organisers and assured that the Sohphlang festival will be held every year and it will not be a one-off affair.
Stating that holding of the festival will help to promote tourism in the area, he said that there are many beautiful places like Nongjrong, Laitlum, Nohron and Syntung which has been appreciated by tourists.
“So far the people of my area are yet to tap the potential through tourism activities. I would want my people to take advantage of the tourism as a means to have sustainable livelihood,” the MLA said.
According to the organisers, the festival serves as a platform to showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage.
“In essence, the Sohphlang Festival of 2023 is a celebration of both nature and culture, reminding us of the inseparable link between the people and the land in Meghalaya,” the organisers said.
Sohphlang is a keystone species in the intricate tapestry of the local ecosystem. It is highly regarded for its medicinal properties in traditional herbal medicine.
Local healers and traditional medicine practitioners utilize different parts of the plant for various health concerns.
Traditional remedies have been passed down through generations and continue to be trusted sources of healthcare for many in the community.
Moreover, its cultural importance is deeply ingrained in the traditions and customs of the community residing in Mawkynrew.
From ceremonial rituals to medicinal applications, Sohphlang is interwoven with the fabric of daily life in the region, symbolising the harmonious coexistence between nature and the people of Meghalaya.
