Tura, Jan 23: The inaugural Mega Darong Carnival 2026 began on Friday in Purakhasia in West Garo Hills district marking a significant cultural milestone for the region and drawing large crowds from surrounding areas.
The two-day event, being held from January 23 to 24, has been initiated by Rakesh A. Sangma, Member of District Council (MDC) from 7 Babelapara GHADC, with support from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and local MLA Ian Botham K. Sangma of the 55 Salmanpara Legislative Assembly constituency.
Addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony, Rakesh A. Sangma said the carnival was envisioned as a platform to celebrate local culture and nurture grassroots talent. He thanked the Chief Minister and the MLA for their support and said efforts would be made to organise the Darong Carnival as an annual event.
The Mega Darong Carnival brings together artisans, dancers, musicians and young performers, offering them a rare public platform to showcase traditional and contemporary skills. Organisers said the event is aimed at strengthening community ties while promoting the cultural identity of Purakhasia and nearby villages.
Traditional indigenous sports such as An.ding O.ka, Wa.pong Sika, Ja.ta Rata, and Wa.pong Maldoa are among the main attractions, alongside modern crowd-pullers including motocross events and beauty pageants. Popular local music acts Saldorik & the Band and Da Suraka are performing during the carnival, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A central theme of the carnival is the Darong River, regarded as the lifeline of the region. Originating from Darongri village, the river sustains agriculture and daily life across several settlements before flowing towards Bangladesh. Locals continue to draw drinking water from the river using traditional bamboo pipelines, underscoring its ecological and cultural importance.
With its sandy banks, white pampas grass and tranquil surroundings, the Darong River has also emerged as a symbol of the region’s natural heritage—an identity the organisers hope the Mega Darong Carnival will help preserve and promote.
Organisers said the strong public response to the first edition signals growing interest in community-led cultural festivals in Meghalaya’s rural belts.
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