Meghalaya deputy CM inaugurate KHADC’s monolith festival at Mawphlang

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 7, 2024

Deputy Chief Minister in-charge District Council Affairs (DCA) Prestone Tynsong on Thursday inaugurated the monolith festival at the iconic Khasi Heritage Village, near the famous Sacred Grove of Mawphlang.

Organized by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), the festival, a vibrant extravaganza spanning three days from March 7 to 9, 2024, is set to commemorate 54 Chieftainships, promising an enchanting immersion into the rich tapestry of Khasi culture, featuring an array of art, craft, cuisine, music, and dance.

People from all walks of life, domestic and international tourists thronged the venue at Mawphlang, also famous for its sacred groves forests located opposite the Khasi Heritage Village.

Addressing the inaugural function, Tynsong said, “I acknowledge the efforts made by the KHADC by organizing this festival which celebrates the rich culture and tradition in a way established by our forefathers. As a government, we are working together with all three Autonomous District Councils (Khasi, Jaintia and Garo) and we feel that it is through their existence and hard work, under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, that the richness of our culture and tradition will continue to thrive. I urge the KHADC to continue holding this festival every year, as there are many who want to learn the ways of our people, to document and show as an example to the country and the world.”

Expressing his delight at the inauguration of the Monolith Festival, KHADC chief Pyniaid Sing Syiem stated, “This festival is an opportunity to showcase our rich culture and tradition. We feel the need to have a platform to showcase the rich and unique Khasi culture and this festival will display our traditional system of governance, clan system, rites, and rituals to the rest of the world. Khasi culture, as we know, has been thriving for approximately two hundred years taking into consideration, with the coming of missionaries to our state. We should remember the sacrifices and contributions of our ancestors and forefathers, as a community that awakens the memories of our ancestors is a thriving community. We will also work towards strengthening the Khasi Social Customs Lineage Act, 1997.”

Scattered across Meghalaya’s green hills stand the mysterious and beautiful monoliths. These giant stones, carved from single pieces, are silent reminders of a time long ago. Some stand alone, reaching for the sky, while others huddle together. Their sizes vary, with some towering like giants and others lying flat on the ground. The flat horizontal stones, or dolmens, were meant for women, while the upright ones, or menhirs, were for men. Each of them with a story of their own.

The Monolith Festival is a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Khasi tribe, while simultaneously providing a dynamic platform for local artisans, craftsmen, and performers to highlight their talents.

Over the course of three days, attendees can experience captivating dance performances like Shad Kruh Ram, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Shad Shutwait, Shad Thma, Shad Shoh Kba, Shad Nguh Meikha, Shad Krud Kba, Shad Mastieh, Shad Seng Khasi, Shad Kiewiing, Shad Pdah, among others, and theatrical skits like Tem Sur Kdor & Phawar Shoh Kba, that vividly portray the stories and traditions of the Khasi people.

The festival also displays the soulful music of the Khasi community, featuring traditional instruments and melodies by artists such as Lamphang Syiemlieh, Desmond Sun & Band, Pynter Orchestra, Kyntiewlin Mawphniang, Ri Maram Folk Akademi, Ki Sur Ksing na Lyngam, Dalariti, Summersalt, and more.

Attendees can also admire the vibrant display of traditional Khasi attire, highlighting the beauty and diversity of their cultural dress through a fashion show. Additionally, the festival offers a culinary adventure with the opportunity to savor the unique flavors of traditional Khasi cuisine and local beverages at the food courts located at the event.