BETASING(GARO HILLS), JAN 28: The hills of Betasing in South West Garo hills on Thursday reverberated with music and dance to the tune of drums, cymbals, flute and adil as the colourful three day extravaganza of cultural confluence “Rhythm of the hills festival” kicked off in style.
The first edition of the festival was held in January 2014.
The state government aims to make the festival a calendar event to promote and showcase the rich and vibrant culture of the state.
Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma in presence of arts and culture minister Clement Marak and legislators — Noverfield Marak, Limison Sangma, arts and culture director Matsiewgor War Nongbri, deputy commissioner of South West Garo Hills Ram Singh and superintendent of police Ramesh Singh inaugurated the festival.
The event envisages showcasing all major tribes of the state and their rich heritage, culture and lifestyle. The local entrepreneurs and self-help groups have been given a platform to display and sale their products.
Young music artist Mikhail Marak and his team performed the theme
song – Krimkro krimkro doke hai (Let us make music in unison) that set the tone for the three days event, which is said to attract over 50,000 plus visitors.
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister said, “The festival was conceptualized with a futuristic approach to demonstrate the capabilities of the people and to exhibit the vibrant culture of the people, so as to relay the positive stories of the people globally”.
He said that the festival is linked to entrepreneurial activities and tourism, which will economically empower the people of the state. “For the past several years, Meghalaya has been hosting a number of events and festivals to send out a message that the state is exclusive in its culture, art and music”.
The chief minister is of the opinion that by promoting culture and lifestyle Meghalaya can set its own benchmark and attract visitors to the state. He said that government through its welfare programme has been building capacities to encourage entrepreneurs to create unique handicrafts and agro-horti products.
He told the gathering that on Saturday he would be wearing a shirt made out of ramie plant fabric, which was undertaken on an experimental basis. “We have been promoting ramie plantation across Garo hills. The fabric will give a tough competition to other fabrics and will give a viable option for the planters”.
He was optimistic that Meghalaya will be able to earn a reputation of its own in the field of textile and apparel making as government has rolled out a slew of initiative in the sector.
Interacting with artisans at the exhibition, which was put up by the district industries and commerce, the chief minister assured all support to technically upgrade their products and add value.
“The festival will further showcase the inherent talents and will give them an exposure. The performing artists, beauty of Garo hills can be showcased to the world through festivals. The state is unexplored by the people, by hosting festivals we can offer to the world a taste to our culture and lifestyle”, said arts and culture director Matsiewgor War Nongbri.
The other highlights of the festival were – cultural dance competition of different tribes and a rock concert by Cubical band from Shillong and Black Jack etc from Tura.-From Our Correspondent
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