Shillong, Dec 24: In a cultural shift this festive season, Christmas radiates through homes, villages, and neighbourhoods. Standing prominently in Shillong’s historic Jaiaw locality is an art installation of three cone figures, a visual representation of Khasi traditional crafts. Beyond being a festive adornment, this installation bridges the past, present, and future, capturing the essence of heritage in the spirit of the season.

Rooted in indigenous creativity from the vibrant youth of Jaiaw Lumbatemon, the three tree-like figures illuminated with festive lights are more than meets the eye. Crafted with precision from bamboo culms, the skilled hands of artisans from Nongtariang village in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district brought these figures to life. Standing at heights ranging from 7 to 12 feet, the trio appears to represent the timeless Christmas nativity narrative, symbolising the presence of the baby, mother, and father in a manger.

On a social note, the Christmas art installation serves as a symbol of the culmination of a community cleaning initiative before the festive season. This local tradition fosters unity as residents come together to clean their neighbourhood, promoting a sense of shared responsibility for cleanliness. Following the cleaning drive, traditional Khasi baskets known as Khoh are inverted, signifying the completion of the village cleanup and emphasising the importance of public hygiene. While these ideals might seem ambitious for present-day Shillong, there’s hope that the city’s intrinsic identity and the community’s commitment to public hygiene will re-surge.

In the cultural fabric of the Khasi people, the number three holds profound significance, echoing both universally recognised numerical prominence and deeply rooted theological and social completeness. The trio of cone figures, embodying the essence of faith and family, captures the primordial essence of the number three in Khasi tradition. The deliberate openness of the installation invites interpretation and critique, akin to an artist gracefully standing at the door, ready to engage with diverse perspectives.

The reverse side of the three figures intricately reflects the timeless Christmas narrative, reminiscent of the journey of the three wise men from the east to witness the birth of baby Jesus in present-day Israel. Symbolising this sacred moment, the cone figures gracefully taper from a flat base to a central point where three stars illuminate the top. Adorned with rice lights, especially captivating in the Christmas night ambience, the figures become a mesmerising spectacle.

The local youth invested both physical and creative efforts to transform this space into a spontaneous selfie spot. Thousands of passersby pause to capture the festive scene with their mobile phones. In this intersection of culture, religious celebration, indigenous practices, and artistic expression, the three cone figures stand as a natural symbol of inclusivity, where diverse faiths and traditional heritage harmoniously coexist. As if extending a silent wish, the figures seem to say ‘Merry Christmas’ to all who pass by.

Also Read: Christmas 2023 : All you need to know about this day

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