10 Himas attend ‘Bam Niangphlang’ Festival

SHILLONG, Oct 27: Traditional leaders from 10 Himas along with other distinguished dignitaries gathered at Umsawmat village in East Khasi Hills for the third edition of the “Bam Ñiangphlang” Festival, organised by the Synjuk ki Hima Arliang Wah Umiam Mawphlang Welfare Society, on Saturday.
The festival aims to promote the local tradition of consuming caterpillar moths, known as Niang Phlang, while raising awareness about environmental conservation, particularly the importance of preventing forest fires.
Alongside the Bam Niangphlang feast, the festival featured traditional crafts, local foods, and activities like cycling, horse riding, and traditional sports such as Mawpoin.
Deputy Director, Tourism department and Daphi Syiem, the society’s founding chairman Tambor Lyngdoh, besides the traditional leaders from 10 Himas were present at the festival.
General secretary of the Synjuk Ki Hima Ar Liang Wah Umiam Welfare Society, Tambor Lyngdoh, highlighted that the event also seeks to raise awareness about protecting the natural habitats where these caterpillars thrive.