Under the 53rd series of its online exhibition by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, today presented the Maw-Bu-Khar, Sacred groves of Meghalaya situated in the Sacred Groves open air exhibition of Manav Sangrahalaya has been presented online with its basic information and photographs and videos.
About this exhibition, Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that the Maw-Bu-Khar is the sacred grove of the Khasis of Maw Phlang area, and the sacred stone pillars represent Khasi Gods. Sacred groves have been a part of the life and culture of the people of Meghalaya. Many sacred groves are still well protected, in spite of rapid decline in the traditional value system. The traditional religious belief is that the Gods and spirits of ancestors live in these groves.
About the Maw-Bu-Khar Dheer Singh, Assistant Horticulture Officer told that – A large number of groves are located in the Cherrapunji region of the East Khasi Hill District. The Mawphlang grove, close to Shillong town, and the Mawsmai grove in Cherrapunji are some of the famous groves in the Northeast India. Traditionally, people around these groves believe that removal of plants or plant parts would offend the ruling deity, leading to local calamities.