At a time when Globalization and westernization is threatening the very socio-culture of every tradition specially the small ethnic tribes, it has become utmost important to introduce culture in whatever way it can be and whenever, wherever it is possible.
Shillong has always been a favorite tourist destination for tourists, no doubt that every tourist falls in love with the scenic beauty of the “Scotland of the east”, but perhaps not many desired tourist had got the chance to step into the shoes of the Khasi Tradition or to show a short of respect to the Place and the people during their short visit. But now even for a short time visitor one can take back beautiful memories of being in Shillong and that also in a Tradition Khasi Attire. As one lands in the Shillong Peak, one can see tourist posing for photograph in full traditional Khasi attire.
It was just two years back that a local lady businessman had opened a stall for Visitors to try with the readymade Traditional Khasi Dress, and thus wooing the tourist to wear the dress just at the cost Rs. 50. The dress is so attractive and majestic in look that tourist cant effort to miss the chance to wear it and pose for photographs, especially people coming from abroad. Parents seem to be more interested in insisting their kids to put the dress so that they develop an interest for different tradition and culture of India when they grow up. “I want my child to know about the Khasi tradition, and she is also enjoying the dress, says Baivav Agarwal, who had come from Madhya Pradesh along with his family.
We really look like kings with this dress say Akhil, a young guy all the way from KERELA. The dress Rocks dude, he adds.
In the readymade dress stall a few humble Khasi ladies helps the tourist in putting on the dresses that takes just few minutes of time, and also make sure to listen the old melodies of Mrs.Judina , a khasi lady in her mid fifties who, s voice is just mesmerizing. “I sing because I am happy and I want to make the tourist feel happy and more homely” says Judina and blasts into a laugh. Any one hearing Judina sing will not hesitate to tag her as the LATA MANGESKAR, of Shillong peak.
The provision of ready made traditional dress stalls for tourist are still not being introduced in many hot tourist places in Assam and other North Eastern States. In Assam there are many tribes that have beautiful dress but however not many tourist gets a chance to try these dress even if they had wanted.
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