SHILLONG, Jan 4 - Meghalaya�s enduring bioengineering symbol � the Living Root Bridges � will be displayed in the tableau form during the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Meghalaya has been shortlisted among 15 other States and Union territories to exhibit their respective tableaux during this year�s event. Assam is the other State from the North East that has been shortlisted to take part in the tableaux category.
�We presented three themes to the expert committee and out of these, the Living Root Bridges was approved of,� Director of Information and Public Relations C Passah told The Assam Tribune today.
The committee comprises experts in the fields of arts, culture, painting, music, architecture, sculpture, etc. After several rounds of meetings, the committee shortlists the States and their tableaux. These tableaux showcase the respective State�s art, culture, history, social aspects, heritage, etc., during the Republic Day celebrations. The best tableau gets the first prize in the competition.
Incidentally, Meghalaya has been shortlisted in the tableaux category after a gap of five years. The State was last shortlisted in 2014.
�We presented to the expert committee themes on handicrafts and handloom of Meghalaya, caves of Meghalaya, and the Living Root Bridges. It is great that we have been shortlisted,� Passah added.
He stated that ten participants from the State would be on the float carrying the tableau depicting the Living Root Bridges. They will present themselves as tourists and hikers visiting the Root Bridges, and also as locals carrying out a cleanliness drive.
Sources said that the Double Decker Root Bridge � which is one of the most famous living root bridges of Meghalaya located at Umshiang in Nongthymmai village near Nongriat off Cherrapunjee � would be showcased in the tableau.
It is a 30-metre bridge that can bear the weight of 50 people at a time, villagers claim. The living root bridges are built by connecting rubber tree (Ficus elastica) roots to betel-nut tree trunks till they get fastened to become bridges over a period of time and provide communication links over gushing streams and difficult terrain.
Another such bridge near Laitkynsew village, the Umnnoi Living Root Bridge is 53-foot-long and locally known as �Jingkieng Deingjri�, meaning the �bridge of the rubber tree.� It is said that it is more than 100 years old.
Such root bridges are scattered all across Jaintia and Khasi Hills and are symbolic of the socio-cultural heritage of the local populace. They are also a major tourist attraction and a USP of the State.
Passah said the task to build the tableau has been entrusted to a Kolkata-based company after a national tender process.
�There are specifications under the Ministry of Defence that have to be minutely followed when the tableaux are built. Moreover, officials from the State will also ensure that the tableau is as realistic as possible,� he added.
