Deputy Chief Minister incharge of District Council Affairs, Prestone Tynsong on Thursday said that the Meghalaya Government will ensure that the district council organises the Monolith festival annually and replicate this Festival in line with Hornbill festival organised by Nagaland Government.
Stating that Meghalaya has more potentiality, the Deputy Chief Minister said, the state Government will share responsibility with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council in this regard.
Talking to Media persons, Tynsong said, “May be we can replicated in the same way done by the Nagaland Government we have seen it on hornbill, so we will try to replicate that and here we have more potentiality than hornbill. We would like to have share responsibility between the KHADC and the state Government.”
“We would like from the Government side make sure that the district council organises this festival on a regular basis annually,” he added.
Asked, the Dy CM said, “It is not our responsibility from the Government side to compare with the hornbill but what I am trying to tell you if you see the place the location here, its a best place people have seen it. As per as the organisation is concern, from the government side we will back them up but this has to be done of KHADC themselves. They have done it so well.”
Showcasing the vibrant Khasi culture, embraces the rich diversity within the community, the much awaited Monolith Festival, 2024 begins on Thursday at the iconic Khasi Heritage Village, Mawphlang.
Organised by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), the festival includes from traditional dances and music to indigenous cuisine and games, the festival is a testament to the unity amidst cultural intricacies.
Attendees will embark on a sensory journey, exploring language, geography, religious beliefs, and the arts.
Deputy Chief Minister incharge of District Council Affairs, Prestone Tynsong inaugurated the festival. Amongst the dignitaries were Pyniaid Sing Syiem, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KHADC, MDCs (Member of District Councils) and MLAs, Chiefs of various Himas, headmen among other esteemed personalities.
The festival, a vibrant extravaganza spanning three days from March 7th to 9th, 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. The last Monolith Festival was held in 2016.
While addressing the gathering at the event and expressing his delight at the inauguration of the Monolith Festival, Chief Executive Member, KHADC, 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,” he added.
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.