Celebrating Meghalaya’s Rich Heritage at Pyrnai Village for World Heritage Day
Shillong, April 20: In a splendid celebration of heritage and tradition,
the World Heritage Day festivities
in Pyrnai village (Lat: 25.270510254826434, Long: 91.85795780271292), East
Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, provided a vivid tapestry of culture and
history. The event, centred on the theme "Disasters and Conflict through the Lens of the Venice Charter,"
was a collaborative effort between ICOMOS North East Zone, the Meghalaya
Basin Management Agency (MBMA), and Syrwet U Barim. It also
marked the Mariang Festival, drawing together 10 to 12 self-help groups
from the Pynursla block, each contributing to a day filled with vibrant
activities and displays.
The celebration attracted locals and tourists alike, weaving together the threads of Meghalaya's rich cultural and historical heritage. The North East Zone ICOMOS India Coordinator, Er. Dilip Changkakoty, was among the distinguished guests, contributing his insights into the significance of preserving cultural heritage. The event's 'Heritage Walk' was a journey through time, featuring the iconic Living Root Bridge, a symbol of Meghalaya's harmonious balance between human ingenuity and the natural world. These unique structures, crafted from the living roots of ancient trees, exemplify centuries of Khasi tradition and engineering mastery. Traversing over 3,000 stone steps that connected two Living Root Bridges, visitors experienced the breathtaking beauty of Pyrnai village, with its lush landscapes and fast-flowing streams that bisect the terrain.
The festival offered a
delightful array of exhibitions and stalls showcasing rare artefacts, clothing,
food, and beverages, all handcrafted by the local community. Traditional games
like Archery, Maw Point, and Rope games invited attendees to participate in the
festivities, while traditional dress parades, along with performances of
historical songs and indigenous instruments like Shad Maw-ja, filled the air
with captivating melodies. The event also brought forward other aspects of the
region's heritage, with demonstrations of traditional crafts and exquisite
examples of local culinary expertise.
Throughout the day, the
sights and sounds of Meghalaya's diverse culture came to life. Performances of
traditional dances and songs painted a vivid picture of the region's
deep-rooted customs and artistic expressions. The Living Root Bridge, also
known as Jingkieng Jri or Lyu Chrai, stood as a powerful symbol of the age-old
connection between people and their environment, underscoring the importance of
conservation and sustainable practices.
The journey to Pyrnai
village from Guwahati, a distance of 148 km, was an adventure in itself, taking
over five hours to navigate the steep mountain roads shrouded in dense clouds.
Despite the challenging visibility—sometimes less than 30 centimetres—the
scenic beauty and the spirit of exploration made the trip unforgettable. It’s
this unique relationship with nature that has shaped the distinctive cultural
identity of Meghalaya and its neighbouring regions, where the intangible
cultural heritage finds deep resonance within the natural landscape.
The event was not just a
celebration of tradition; it was a poignant reminder of the importance of
preserving and cherishing cultural heritage. By bringing together communities,
visitors, and heritage enthusiasts, the World Heritage Day celebration in
Pyrnai village served as a vibrant tribute to the timeless legacy of Meghalaya.
The link of two Reels of this event -
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