Shillong, June 26: The U Soso Tham Auditorium resonated with ancestral sounds on Thursday as the National Tribal Music Festival 2025, Rasong, opened to the thunderous rhythms of bamboo flutes, traditional drums, and wooden clappers.
More than just a performance, the two-day event unfolded like a living museum of indigenous soundscapes, bringing together artists from twelve states in a powerful display of rhythm, melody, and cultural identity. Dancers in vibrant traditional attire moved to age-old tunes, while musicians transformed handcrafted instruments into vessels of heritage, storytelling, and memory.
At the heart of Rasong lies a deeper purpose—a revival and recognition of tribal music as a cornerstone of India’s cultural diversity. The festival, curated with both reverence and urgency, seeks not only to preserve but to elevate tribal music traditions across India.
“Tribal music has not got the recognition it should, and this is an attempt to correct it,” said Paul Lyngdoh, Minister for Arts and Culture, in his inaugural address. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusivity, he added, “We will ensure that even tribes which have not been represented so far will find representation in future events.”
Welcoming officials, cultural delegates, students, and media representatives from across the country—including Manipur, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, and several Northeastern states—Lyngdoh praised the outstanding performances by the State Institute of Arts and Culture, especially a stirring flute recital and captivating group presentations.
Reflecting on Meghalaya’s rich landscape and spirit, he likened the rolling hills of the region to the Alps depicted in The Sound of Music. “The more you travel into the interiors, the more you will discover why these hills are alive with sound,” he said, inviting visitors to explore the cultural and natural richness of the state.
The Minister emphasized music’s power to heal and unify, especially in troubled times. “Music has a healing touch. It is both food for the soul and therapy for the mind.” He spoke of earlier attending an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, where the contrast with Rasong’s joyful expression was stark but significant.
Lyngdoh also celebrated the Department of Arts and Culture’s growing role, highlighting the recent inauguration of a world-class State Museum by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as a symbol of Meghalaya’s rising cultural consciousness. “What was once considered a minor department has today taken centre stage,” he remarked.
He concluded by reminding young musicians that music must go beyond performance. “Music should not just be a hobby, pastime, or profession—it must be a passion that transforms you into the human being you are meant to be.”
The Rasong Festival 2025, envisioned as a national platform to spotlight India’s tribal music, will continue through the week, offering performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous musical heritage.
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