Shillong, Mar 10: The Monolith Festival, an initiative of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and Meghalaya Tourism that aimed to promote rich cultural traditions of Khasi tribe culminated on Saturday evening.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh graced the occasion in presence of CEM KHADC Pyniad Sing Syiem and others.
The three day festival showcased the cultural diversity of the Khasi tribe and the different practices, music, dance and cuisines at the Khasi Heritage village, Mawphlang, 25 km from Shillong.
Speaking on the occasion, with two chana (gram) seller standing beside him, the Chief Minister said, “It is encouraging to see that there is a convergence of multiple exchanges where like these two boys, I am proud to see them earning their livelihood. This convergence brings out the unique aspects of the Khasi Culture in various forms whether it is in the form of music, textiles, cuisine, dance and many other unique cultural aspects.”
Sangma said that regular markets should be held at the Khasi Heritage village, wherein the local fruits, vegetables, textiles could be showcased, including performance of music and dance to visitors.
Assuring all support for preservation of rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya, the Chief Minister lauded the autonomous district councils for their sustained effort to safeguard the interest of the tribal people. He also announced Rs. 50 lakh grant for the councils from next financial years for research.
“This fund will increase annually so that the various District Councils can start their research in various formats in written, video and many other means to document the unique cultural aspects of the different tribes in the state of Meghalaya,” the Chief Minister added.
He also informed the gathering on the Chief Minister’s Research Scholarship Program, wherein 50 researchers will be given grant of Rs. 3 lakh to conduct research on culture, and other historical aspects of the State.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said, “It is in events like the Monolith Festival that brings not just the Khasi community together but also converges, unites and highlights the unique identity of the Khasi people along with the rest of the world. I congratulate the efforts taken to make this festival happen and would like to support the vision of the KHADC to promote the Khasi Culture for it is Land, Language and Lineage which are the three cornerstones of our community of which we can pass it down strong and proud to our descendants.”
Chief Executive Member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem thanked everyone for their contributions in making the Festival a huge success. He further mentioned that the KHADC is the custodian that protects the identity of the tribal people and this event is a celebration to showcase to the rest of the world the unique practices of the Khasi people.
He thanked the Karbi Anglong Autonomous district council for providing land in Diphu in the Karbi Anglong area for construction of a Guest house of the KHADC and urged the state government to support this initiative.
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