NewzVille Desk
Efforts are underway to position Meghalaya’s indigenous faith centres, festivals and historic sites within the Centre’s flagship tourism schemes, with BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA A.L. Hek initiating discussions with party leadership in New Delhi to secure support under Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD.
The move signals a broader attempt to integrate the State’s diverse religious and cultural heritage into nationally funded tourism circuits, potentially opening avenues for infrastructure development and increased visitor inflow.
Among the sites identified for development are Seng Khasi Kmie, the Behdienkhlam festival in the Jaintia Hills, and institutions linked to the Niamtre faith, reflecting a focus on preserving and promoting indigenous traditions.
In addition, proposals have been explored to strengthen cultural tourism under the Khyriem Syiemship, particularly around the Shad Nongkrem festival, a key cultural event of the Khasi community.
The initiative also extends to historically significant Christian landmarks, including the Presbyterian Church at Nongsawlia in Sohra, regarded among the earliest churches in the region.
The Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram has also figured in the discussions, though its inclusion will depend on the decision of the local Dorbar Shnong, underscoring the role of community institutions in determining development priorities.
Clarifying the party’s role, the legislator indicated that proposals would originate from local stakeholders, with the BJP facilitating their submission to the Government of India for consideration under relevant schemes, rather than directly implementing projects.
