Ri Khaiñ Autumn Festival 2019 kicks off
MARKHAM: ‘‘A change in the local populace’s mentality is required to boost tourism in mawthadraidhan constituency,” said local MLA and Minister of Water Resources, HB Nongsiej, on Friday.
Inaugurating the Ri Khaiñ Autumn Festival at the picturesque Laitmarok, MarkhamVillage, Nongsiej said that the local people should adopt a friendlier approach and welcome tourists – domestic or foreign alike – with open hearts and mind.
Highlighting the fact that his constituency has a number of tourist spots such as Mawphanlur, the hillocks of Mawthadraishan and like Laitmarok, the present venue, he said that Mawthadraishan has the potential of becoming a popular tourist circuit.
Lauding the efforts of the organisers, the minister said that holding of such festivals will definitely put the Laitmarok, Markham Village, in the limelight and attract tourism from all over the country.
Ri Khaiñ Autumn Festival is a two-day festival organised by the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Mairang Civil Sub-Division, West Khasi Hills, Mairang Civil Sub-Division Officers’ Club and The Dorbar Kur Lyngdoh Nonglait.
The festival is organised with a sole aim to promote the natural beauty of Laitmarok, Markham Village and develop its tourism potential.
Laitmarok is a 40-minute drive from Kynshi Bridge.
The festival features a number of competitions like Ïatoh syiar (cock-fight) – where two participants imitate roosters fighting – chilli-eating competition, kite flying competition, fishing competition and skit competition to name a few.
It also has activities like horse-riding, photography seminar, meditation programme, etc., with the main attraction being the third edition of Miss Wah Kynshi and Mr. Lum Kyllang competition, which will be held on the last day of the festival.
Earlier in the day, A Nongbri, SDO (C) Mairang delivered the welcome address and MS Lyngdoh Nonglait, Head of the Lyngdoh Nonglait Clan, gave a short speech whereas V Swer, EAC, Mairang Civil Sub-Division gave the vote of thanks.
