Me’gong Cultural Festival comes to a grand conclusion; promises to be bigger, better next year

Tura, Nov 21: The Me’gong Festival, the three-day cultural extravaganza, showcasing the Garo Culture in all its glory concluded on Saturday on a high with performances from famed bands like Shillong’s ‘Soulmate’ and participation of India’s best travel blogger Shenaz Treasurywala.

This was the first edition of Me’gong Festival which received huge footfall and positive reviews, becoming a talking point among the people. The state government has decided to make it an annual affair as it looks to slowly open the state for tourism as Covid-19 cases have come down drastically and people are eager to get back to their normal routine as was before the pandemic.

The theme for this year was majorly on tribal brews and had participations from Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Assam besides Meghalaya who showcased their traditional drinks, mostly made out of rice and fruits.The first major festival in almost two years in the state, which has been mostly under lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic, the event was conceptualized to promote tourism and promote local breweries not just from Meghalaya but from across the north eastern region.Renowned TV personality and travel blogger Shenaz said this was her second visit to Meghalaya and termed her experience in Meghalaya as ‘divine’. She was also particular about the cleanliness around the state as she took time out to visit the areas adjoining Tura. She remarked that Meghalaya is the cleanest place she has ever been to across India.

“I absolutely loved it… It’s so pretty… it’s lovely. I love Meghalaya… this is my second time here and not the last… enjoyed the wine and food… I hope many more people all over India and world discover this gorgeous place and the state of Meghalaya which is actually… Divine. It’s also the cleanest state I have been to in India… every state I go to I find garbage everywhere but Meghalaya is spick and span clean.. It’s amazing,” Shenaz said about her experience of the Me’gong Festival and the state.

The 3-day festival included cultural shows, food and drink competitions and was funded by the Meghalaya Tourism Department.

The major attractions included the Wangala and Ruga traditional dances, songs by Garo group Nokpante and Katta on November 18, VH1 award winner and rapper Meba Ofilia and Suraka on November 19, and Shillong’s Khasi folk fusion band Soulmate and The Clansman and Fame on November 20.

Other events included a strong man contest that included traditional games, including arm wrestling, ‘Crystals and Fire show’ by world famous Lagota Circus, chilli eating competition, Sakkin (garo rice cake) eating competition, and fashion shows by designers from Garo Hills, Khasi and Jaintia Hills.