From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: The ‘IONA’ festival was held on Friday at Madan Risim Nongumer village in South West Khasi Hills District with the display of traditional culture and attire of the Khasis, Garos and Hajong tribes.
The festival was organized by the South West Khasi Hills District Arts and Culture Society with the support of the Directorate of Arts and Culture.
A large number of people thronged the gala event of the unique and colourful dance of Shad Tynrai presented by the Seng Khasi from Nonglang village besides the traditional songs and folk dances of the Khasis, Garos and the Hajongs along with pantomime and skits performed by the Kynhun Biria u Maram, and Iong Lajong added extra colour to the rich traditional culture of the society.
Other events in the long day programme which enthralled the crowd included showcasing and displaying of ethnic apparels with the indigenous and fashion sequences designed by Arif Mukhim, Suman Lyngdoh and the Colours of the North East designed by Yana Ngoba and Nicole. A skit was performed by Sanriti Nongsiej, the finalist of Meghalaya Dancing Star including performances by the top local band “Wild Tears” and a memorable rendition of modern Khasi songs by Rana Kharkongor and special presentation from Ananda de-Capricon.
