Shillong, Dec 21: It is almost that time of the year where streets and houses are decorated with luminance bright light and beautiful red and green decorations marking the birth of Jesus Christ. The tradition of Christmas lights dates back to the 16th century and gradually increased in popularity until they became a staple around the holidays in the early 20th century when electricity became available to the masses.The use of lights or candles on Christmas trees actually began the trend and then spread to houses, walkways, store fronts and the likes as technology progressed and made such items more available.One of the most beautiful of the traditions are the luminarias that are so prevalent in the Moolamylliang village under Sutnga Elaka,  East Jaintia Hills district.Moolamylliang, which is also one of the model villages, is dressed up in beautiful Christmas lights and decorations inviting people from all round to witness the display of different shades of light decorations displayed in all shapes and form.Moolamylliang’s main source of revenue earlier was from coal mines but has now became a tourist destination with the initiative taken by the Village Headman Apmon Pachiang and the village Committee. Moolamylliang now wears a green and pleasant look in the morning and a bright and warm look in the evening.Chairman of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), Dr Sankey Shangpung, Deputy Commissioner East Jaintia Hills SS Syiemlieh, Dr R Toi of Sutnga CHC were present at the grand opening of the festival of lights at Moolamylliang.“It is an auspicious festival as we await the birth of Jesus Christ the King of Peace, which is why we have decided to decorate the locality in lights to mark the celebration of Christmas.. the festival of lights. This Christmas, let us celebrate in the spirit of freedom and not be tied up as slaves,” the village Headman said.Also, to mark the celebration of Meghalaya’s 50th year of statehood, the village has decorated the trees in the form of the map of Meghalaya. A logo of the 50th statehood celebration has been carved out by arrangement of trees that have been planted for almost three years now.JHADC Chairman Dr Sankey Shangpung said, “The map that you see here can also be called a natural map as it was framed with the help of trees… it is beautiful.”

Shangpung extended his wishes to the residents of the village and hoped that this village leaves its imprint not only on the state and the country but the whole world.