Shillong: The Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum has ordered Vivanta Meghalaya to delete a social media post featuring the iconic Nohkalikai Falls. The digital edit, created for Ganesh Chaturthi, depicts the famous waterfall in the shape of Lord Ganesha. Forum chairman Alan West Kharkongor warned that the image distorts the region's cultural identity. He stated that natural sites like the waterfalls in Sohra are deeply tied to the history and folklore of the Khasi people.
Kharkongor argued that altering natural sites to serve religious themes creates confusion for visitors. He insisted that the hospitality brand must show more cultural responsibility in its future advertising. The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement also entered the fray. Working president Thomas A Passah denounced the move as an attempt to religionalize local tourist attractions.
“We strongly condemn the religionalisation of our tourist destination by Vivanta. Using video editing apps and trying to portray our tourist places like a religious symbol is unacceptable,” Passah said. He noted that the state government should intervene, pointing to a previous incident involving the digital manipulation of Mawsmai Cave. Passah maintained that regional landmarks are secular spaces.
Sohra local John W Thabah expressed frustration over the marketing stunt. He said the image leaves him feeling seriously offended. Thabah warned that the doctored photo misleads tourists who come to learn about the actual history behind the waterfall. He joined the chorus of critics demanding that the hotel chain issue a formal apology and halt any further efforts to alter the natural landscape for religious campaigns.
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