SHILLONG, Aug 7: The Department of Arts and Culture and the Department of Textiles, in collaboration with NESFAS, concluded the ‘Khneng Embroidery Competition’ at Mustoh village, East Khasi Hills, on the occasion of National Handloom Day.
It may be mentioned that the competition was part of the India@75 and Meghalaya@50 programmes to celebrate the indigenous and artistic tribal dexterity and was participated by eight weavers from Mustoh village.
Commissioner and Secretary, Textiles, Frederick Kharkongor, who was the chief guest on Saturday’s event, encouraged the artisans to work in tandem with the department to make Mustoh the first traditional embroidery village of Meghalaya.
The art of Khneng Embroidery is the only known form of embroidery in Meghalaya that can be traced back to 200 years.
“Although NESFAS works with communities to defend the Indigenous Food Systems, the organisation also realises the importance of understanding the culture and tradition embedded within the community. For Mustoh, it is the Khneng,” said Executive Director, NESFAS, Pius Ranee.
Meanwhile, SDO of Sohra Subdivision, Alex Mukhim, expressed delight that an eri silk shawl was presented to the Home Minister of India during his recent visit to Meghalaya. “We know that it is a small yet significant step for us to have our traditional art from being recognised and promoted,” he said.
Following the conclusion of the competition and the prize distribution, the participants, along with the guests, visited the training unit at Saikarap near Shella.
