on October 25th and 26th 2013, the Khasi Autonomous District Council, Shillong, took uponthe task of highlighting the traditional belief associated with the culture, the socio – matrilineal system and also the political democratic indigenous administrative structure which have witnessed the ravages and tests of time.

The setting located at the fringes of the sacred forest at Mawphlang (stone – grass) village, the administrative headquarters ofthe Khasi state of Hima Mawphlang, came alive when visitors in their thousands crowded the heritage village to witness the songs and dances connected with the agriculture based on the traditional religious rites and customs, tasting the cuisine and culinary products of a variety of food habits among the people found in about 53 administrative Khasi states and territories, and quenching their thirst through the assortment of wines made from fruits of sweet and sour varieties which are grown in orchards and gardens across the land.

There was also on display flowers of different colours and hues, rare orchids growing wild in thick forests and cliff - tops. Women weavers, especially from the Ri Bhoi area of the State had put up mostly handloom clothes which included silk and the Ryndia shawl from eri worms and most importantly lasting natural colours from barks and roots of trees, which are the gifts of nature itself, matching with the greenery of the Mawphlang sacred forest.

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs V. Kishore Chandra Deo who inaugurated the festival expressed his awe at the sacred forest which is a biosphere in itself and the fact that it attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world. The minister added that it was his constant endeavour as a minister to extend support to the rich traditions of arts and culture, craft, knowledge of medicinal herbs that have been passed on by the ancestors that need to be acknowledged, preserved and protected.

The minister had also promised that the Union Government is ready to open an Eklavya School in the State. The Eklavya Model Residential School was initiated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide free high quality education to the meritorious tribal children especially in the remote areas, to enable these students to avail professional and educational courses so as they can be placed in jobs in government, public and private sectors.

The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council PN Syiem had also exhorted the Union Minister for the setting up of a cultural – cum tourist centre at the Mawphlang Heritage Village which would include an ampitheatre, a library, a museum and other facilities and activities ranging from arts, literature, music, dance and theatre with lodging facilities. The CEM, Pynshngain N Syiem, explaining the motive behind the ‘Monolith Festival’, said that it is not only about conservation and protecting the Khasi heritage and culture but also in enriching the indigenous knowledge on agriculture, natural resource management, social interaction and above all, maintaining a balance in judiciously using environmental and ecological resources, thus also providing an alternative source of income to people who are engaged in non – agricultural activities.

One of the important impacts of the ‘Monolith Festival’ is the political and administrative relations of the District Council and the grassroots level of administration of the various Dorbars from the village Dorbars, Dorbar Raij and the Apex Dorbar of the Syiems and Lyngdohs of the Khasi states and territories under the purview of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Since the Constitutional inception of the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills District Council as far back as 1952, there has always been a confrontation and overlapping of administrative powers which have often led to litigations. The ‘Monolith Festival’ however, has sent a clear message of understanding and cooperation between the District Council and the grassroots level of administration when as many as 54 of such traditional bodies had come forward to participate in the ‘Monolith Festival’ which has opened the doors of changing of attitudes towards achieving an effective and proper administration which the people at large (ki khun, ki hajar) would benefit by through the resorting to transparency and accountable measures. This is evident in the willing participation in the festival of not only the administrative heads but also the people themselves.

The Khasi Hills Autonomous Council is therefore engaged in the legislation towards this end beginning from the Dorbar Shnong or Village Council relating to the village and town administration and social custom according to the principles of egalitarianism, conscious decision making and participative action and the spirit of solidarity and proactively aiming for improving the socio – economic life and sustainable use of natural resources, judicious engagement with the market economy and modern democratic system and protecting and upholding the uniqueness of Khasi culture.

The festival is aptly named ‘Monolith Festival’ which represents and reflects the Meghalithic culture of Ri Hynniewtrep, monoliths are not only historical relics but also depict strength, determination and power and also ancient wisdom, qualities that the upcoming generations need to inherit so that life becomes meaningful, purposeful and eventful in earning righteousness (Kamai ia ka hok).

Sumar Sing Sawian