Mairang, Nov 01: “A change in the local populace’ mentality is required to boost tourism in mawthadraidhan constituency” says local MLA and Minister of Water Resources, Shri HB Nongsiej.
Inaugurating the RiKhaiñ Autumn Festival at the picturesque Laitmarok, MarkhamVillage, the Minister said that the local people should adopt a friendlier approach and welcome tourists domestic or foreign alike with open hearts and mind.
Highlighting the fact that his constituency has a number of tourist spots such as Mawphanlur, the hillocks of Mawthadraishan and like Laitmarok, the present venue, he said that Mawthadraishan has the potential of becoming a popular tourist circuit.
Lauding the efforts of the organisers, the minister said that holding of such festivals will definitely put the Laitmarok, Markham Village in the limelight and attract tourism from all over the country.
RiKhaiñ Autumn Festival is a two day festival organised by the Office of the Sub- Divisional Officer (Civil), Mairang Civil Sub-Division, West Khasi Hills, Mairang Civil Sub-Division Officers’ Club and The DorbarKur Lyngdoh Nonglait with the sole aim to promote the natural beauty of Laitmarok, Markham Village and develop its tourism potential. Laitmarok is a 40 minute drive from Kynshi Bridge.
The festival features a number of competitions like Ïatohsyiar (cock – fight: where two human participants imitate roosters fighting), chilli eating competition, kite flying competition, fishing competition and skit competition to name a few.
It also has activities like horse-riding, photography seminar, meditation programme etc, with the main attraction being the 3rd edition of Miss WahKynshi and Mr. Lum Kyllang competition which will be held on the last day of the festival.
Earlier in the day, Shri A Nongbri, SDO (C) Mairang delivered the Welcome address as Shri MS Lyngdoh Nonglait, Head of the Lyngdoh Nonglait Clan also gave a short speech while Shri V Swer, EAC, Mairang Civil Sub-Division gave the vote of thanks.
