Thai princess Sirindhorn arrives in Shillong

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Nov 23: Princess of Thailand Her Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrived in Shillong today on a three-day visit. The Princess landed at around 2 pm at the helipad, Upper Shillong.

As soon as she arrived, Sirindhorn headed straight for the sacred grove in Mawphlang. Mawphlang, 25 Km away from Shillong, is considered to be the hub of Khasi culture. Home to the world famous sacred grove opposite it, lies the Khasi Heritage Village maintained by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.

At her arrival in the village, the princess was welcomed by elders and villagers of the village, with “Paila Ksiar”- a traditiol necklace of the Khasis.

Once inside the Sacred Grove, the princess took keen interest to know the flora and fau.

Accompanied by elders of the village, Princess Sirindhorn noted down the mes of varieties of plants and in a dairy. She also enquired the types of trees grown inside the forest.

Later in the evening, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma hosted a state dinner in the honour of the Princess at Hotel Pinewood here.

According to officials, she soon left for the world’s wettest place - Sohra and will be staying at the Polo Orchid, Sohra.

As per her itinerary on Thursday, the Princess would visit Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong and visit Shnongpdeng village, which is an upcoming tourist destition, about 95 km from Shillong. The village falls under Amlarem Block in West Jaintia Hills district.

On Thursday she would come back to stay at Sohra and leave for Shillong on November 25.  

On the last day of her visit to Meghalaya, she would visit the second largest museum in Asia, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures located at Mawlai. Meanwhile, the princess is also scheduled to meet NEHU vice chancellor on Friday.

Princess is accompanied by 22 delegates including Thailand ambassador to India, Chalit Manityakul.