Workshop on traditional musical instruments

Williamnagar, May 22: The five-day workshop on crafting traditional musical instruments and playing technique, organized by the department of Art & Culture, was inaugurated by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Garo Hills, AC Marak, at DRDA Hall No.1, Williamnagar on Tuesday.

Inaugurating the workshop, Marak lauded the department of Art & Culture for organizing the workshop and said that it will be of great benefit to the people of Williamnagar especially the youth. Stressing on the need to preserve the culture and tradition of the region, he said that cultural song, dance and music is the identity of one’s nationality, tribe, ethnicity, etc. He also expressed his gratitude to the participants for showing their great zeal and enthusiasm in the workshop and said that the present generation had inherited the art of crafting and playing of indigenous musical instruments from the fore-fathers which have to be passed on to the generations to come.

Delivering the key-note address, archivist D Kharjana said that the purpose of the workshop is to preserve the rich cultural heritage and urged the youngsters to learn the art of crafting and play traditional musical instruments.

The five-days’ workshop which will conclude on May 26, will also include crafting and playing of Chigring, Dotdrong, Dama, Dimchrang and other traditional musical instruments of the Garos. A large number of students from various schools and colleges in the district had registered themselves to grab the opportunity provided by the department. The District Librarian, Williamnagar, LK Marak, proposed the vote of thanks in the inaugural function, a press release stated.