Tura, Dec 1: The two-day Me’gong Festival 2024 concluded on a high with the electrifying performance of the legendary Swedish band ‘Europe’ amidst the lush green hills of Garo Hills.
It was truly a final countdown to the curtains down for the 4th edition of the vibrant Me’gong Festival on Saturday night but also another reminder that it is becoming a marquee festival where legends perform. If it was the legendary rock band Europe this year, last year it was Vengaboys. And let’s not forget that Garo Hills also hosted MLTR’s concert in December 2022.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and other cabinet ministers and dignitaries including Ambassador of Uzbekistan Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev, Ambassador of El Salvador Guillermo Rubio Funes, Ambassador of Jamaica Jason K M Hall attended the two days of musical extravaganza and showcase of vibrant tradition and culture of Garo Hills.
Music fans from across India had converged at Baljek to be part of this biggest ever rock show in the region, where music legend Europe performed their famous hits, with audience going gaga to capture the once in a lifetime moment.
Close to 1 lakh people attended the Me’gong Festival concert on Saturday night.
Fans were seen displaying t-shirt and flag with Europe logo. In addition, locals and visiting music lovers had plenty of local culinary delights and brews to choose from to keep themselves warm and full at the venue.
Day 1 event featured captivating performances by singer Gajendra Verma, India-based rock band Euphoria, and DJ Udita Goswami. The mainstage was also shared by Haystack Ladies and Da Suraka. Local talents including Rush & Trust, Aransa, Murder in Space, the Do.Pos and Collective Murder in Space were equivocally provided with platform at the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP) stage.
Day 2 of the event included the MGMP stage which featured local talents like Sans the Clothes, Wangkimit, Strange Origins, and Ahaia. The evening performances by Restless Desire, Shanka Tribe, Indus Creed, and Europe got the audience jumping.
In addition to the musical extravaganza, the Me’Gong Festival also served as a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Garo community. The festival’s venue featured handloom and handicraft exhibitions with demonstrations from local artisans weaving traditional Garo attire, including Dakmanda and Ganna, and a culinary showcase of authentic Garo food such as Panta Bhaat, Nakham Bitchi, and Wak Pura. Sessions and workshops where visitors learned traditional Garo weaving techniques and crafted items like bamboo baskets and beaded necklaces were also available.
The event also featured performances by renowned Garo folk musicians and dance troupes showcasing traditional songs like “Wangala” and “Doroa.”
Furthering the festival’s commitment to environmental sustainability, there was a strong implementation of eco-friendly practices, including eco-friendly waste disposal bins and plastic-free zone. Additionally, promotion of local materials and ingredients in exhibitions and the food court was focused alongside a collaboration with local environmental organisations for tree-planting initiatives during the event.
The festival also included traditional games and sports competitions, such as the Sak-Sok (arm wrestling), Wapong Sika, Garo version of Tug-of-War. Winners will receive special tokens from the Tourism Department.
Overall, the 4th edition of Me’gong has successfully positioned Garo Hills in the music map of India.
After last year’s traffic jam during Me’gong, where people had to be in jam for over a night, this year, all efforts were made by Meghalaya Police for smooth flow and traffic management.
As the festival concludes, it’s time to say – we shall wait for next year, for a bigger and grandeur Me’gong Festival. At the same time, another curiosity arises – which legend will perform in Garo Hills next.
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