AMPATI, DEC 16: The winter festivities in Garo hills today kicked off on a colourful note at Ampati in South West Garo Hills, Resubelpara in North Garo Hills and at Tasek in East Garo Hills.
At Ampati two events were being simultaneously held – Dimchrang and Kite festival, at Resubelpara Awe festival and Tasek festival. Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma inaugurated the Dimchrang and kite festival at Ampati. In all the festivals, the cultural mosaic of different communities was showcased.
The cultural parade and carnival was led by Dimchrang troupe followed by a skill troupe from Manipur. At least 11 troupes displayed their cultural lifestyle of different communities – Koch, Hajong and Garos at Ampati.
A tableau, which showcased counter insurgency operation against militants caught the much needed attention as they spread out a message that enough is enough and urged the militants to lay down their arms. It speaks volume that people across Garo hills are not willing to tolerate violence anymore.
Speaking at Ampati, Mukul Sangma said, “Meghalaya should promote all festivals and brand it to attract tourist to witness the exclusive culture and lifestyle of the people”.
He informed that a dedicated annual budget was available for
promotion of arts and culture activities in the state. “We have to market our culture and our uniqueness to the world, which will boost the economy of the state and benefit the people”.
He informed that festival gives a platform for the locals to take part in different activities and showcase their skills. “Our entrepreneurs can benefit for festivals as they can showcase and sell their products”, he added.
There is clear intention in promoting such festivals as we need to create a platform to enable our youth unleash their talents. At the same time they also help to create economic activity which percolates down to the local masses”, he said.
“When we make such festivals an annual event they become known across the country and the world and we create positive stories about the region which will attract visitors to this part of the world”, he said and exhorted the organizers to make the festival bigger and grander, saying “in a few years’ time this event should become a product that is globally known.”
Speaking about the government’s vision-specific objective to build up on the skills of the youth in various fields so that they look at opportunities beyond government jobs, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that he has taken up with the Union Ministry of DoNER for construction of four football stadiums in the State, out of which one would be in Tura and another in Ampati.
As part of the festival, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Ampati Aqua Fest organized by Fishery Department and later in the afternoon, he joined the children in flying kites at Ampati Kite Festival where events like kite making workshop, kite flying contest and Air Show is being held for two days.
The Kite festival was organized by the District Administration in collaboration with the District Tourism Office and international kite flyer Gopal Patel and his team from Gujarat are conducting the workshop and also displaying kites of different shapes and colours.
The Chief Minister also visited the stalls that were put up in the exhibition as part of the two-day festival.
The other highlights of the day’s events included a dance competition called the Dancing Stars of Dimchrang, Futsal – a 5-a-side football match, Voice of Dimchrang and Dimchrang Queen beauty pageant, amongst others.-From Our Correspondent
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