Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday tried his hand in beating Khasi traditional drum as he wound up his two-day visit to Meghalaya.
The prime minister expressed keeness about the rhythm and beat a drum together with the other Khasi tribal musicians.
"The prime minister tried his hands at beating our 'Ka Bom' and also interacted with leaders from at least 10 Himas (erstwhile independent Khasi states)," N K Lyngdoh, the chief priest of Hima Mawphlang, told PTI.
Accompanied by state Governor V Shanmuganathan, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Minister Jitendra Singh, the prime minister also expressed interest on sacred groves or forest fragments with religious connotation for the protectors and sought to know details of how they were managed by the local community.
Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these sacred groves.
His visit to the sacred forest of Mawphlang, however, could not take place due to the inclement weather. But he was briefed on how the highly regarded grove was managed, controlled and administered.
Earlier, Modi visited the Mattilang amusement park on the outskirts of the capital town and expressed admiration at the greenery around it, a senior government official said.
The prime minister was in the state to address at the 65th plenary session of North Eastern Council and participated in a public reception in the city on Friday.
Image: PM Modi plays Khasi traditional drum. Photograph: PIB
