The State government has identified six villages to be known as ‘Arts and Crafts Villages’ that are actively engaged in preserving their artisanal skills that are rich, diverse and multifarious.
These villages are Wahkhen in East Khasi Hills well known for its traditional instruments and expertise in traditional music, Larnai village in West Jaiñtia Hills famous for black clay pottery, Pahambir in Ri Bhoi rich in arts and culture and folklore, Tangmang in Pynursla known for its bamboo art making, Mairang- the headquarter of Eastern West Khasi Hills district where there are many artists, sculptors and Amindagre – a village in Garo Hills known for living wood museum.
Commissioner & Secretary Arts and Culture, FR Kharkongor told reporters today that identification of the six villages is done under phase one and more villages with rich heritage will be identified. He said the six villages will be officially declared as Meghalaya’s Arts and Crafts villages during the Tri Hills Festival on October 14 and 15.
He said branding the villages as arts and craft villages will bring in benefits to the villages. “The government will further invest in these villages and subsequently livelihood will increase maintaining the three pillars of global standards, local spirit, and economic sustainability,” Kharkongor said.
The two-day festival is being organised by the Meghalaya Arts and Culture department along with the Tribal Affairs Ministry to capture the essence of the three vibrant tribes – Khasis, Jaiñtias and Garos.
Kharkongor said the festival has been funded by ministry at the cost of Rs 43 lakhs to celebrate Meghalaya’s 50th statehood and Azadi Ki Amrit Mahotsav.
“We are hoping that this festival will be authentic and original. It will cover culture, crafts, cuisine, costumes, delicacy as well as drama. Simulation of Ïewduh will also there along with iconic food-stalls and cuisine from all the three regions of the state,” Kharkongor said.
Another feature of the festival is traditional drama portrayed where the Panaliar Club will portray the life of female Khasi freedom fighter – Phan Nonglait.
The life-size statues of Meghalaya’s unsung heroes– U Tirot Sing, Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma—will also be unvield during the festival.
“We want to educate the young generation about the culture of the state, besides the recollections of statehood leaders,” he added.
