Tura/Shillong, Dec 1: The fourth edition of two-day Me’gong Festival ended on November 30 with hiccups.
After Summersalt was dropped prior to the two-day event, Garo Hills based band Restless Desire could not perform on the last day though it was listed as one of the four bands to perform..
Another band Shanka Tribe was not given much time so also Indus Creed.
Restless Desire has not given any reason for their exit while sources said that sound check for Indus Creed took a long time as the band and Europe had different sound arrangements.
Another criticism was that Europe sang only a few songs with the dissatisfaction of many who wanted more from the band.
Concerns were also raised for different ticket rates for Me’gong Festival and Cherry Blossom Festival as the latter was costlier.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh opened the festival.
Day 1 of the festival featured performances of Haystack Ladies, Da Suraka, Gajendra Verma, Euphoria, and DJ Udita Goswami.Local talents including Rush & Trust, Aransa, Murder in Space, the Do.Pos and Collective Murder in Space were provided with platform at the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP) stage.
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.
The event featured performances by renowned Garo folk musicians and dance troupes showcasing traditional songs like “Wangala” and “Doroa.” Additionally, Local artisans demonstrated the intricate art of weaving the Garo traditional attire, including Dakmanda and Ganna.
A statement by the tourism department said the two-day festival, themed “Echoes of Tradition,” aims to promote and preserve the unique customs and practices of the Garo people. It also seeks to provide a platform for local artisans, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents, boosting the local economy and promoting tourism in the region. The festival act as a key cultural event, encouraging domestic and international tourism to the region.
Dignitaries who were present include Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Sardor Rustambaev Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, H.E Guillermo Rubio Funes, the Ambassador of El Salvador to India, and Jason Hall, High Commissioner for Jamaica to India, Jagdish Chelani, Deputy Commissioner and others.
Earlier, the chief minister welcomed the band Europe and other performers to Meghalaya and Garo Hills. He mentioned that many people in the state and the entire Northeast region had grown up listening to their songs, and it was a dream come true for many. He also noted that the region had a strong influence of rock music from the 80s and 90s, and that the Me-Gong Festival attracted a large number of fans from across the country.
“We’re thrilled to perform at Me Gong Festival in Garo Hills, it’s incredible that our music has reached this far corner of the world,” said Joey Tempest, Europe’s lead vocalist. “I recall our frantic fans in 1988, and we’re excited to experience the same energy here. This visit to Garo Hills will undoubtedly inspire our future lyrics.”
Tempest praised the breathtaking landscape of Garo Hills. “This band is still one of the best on the planet, and our impact continues to be huge. Music will never die! Rock music lives on, underlying everything.”
Day 2 of the event included the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP) stage which featured local talents like Sans the Clothes, Wangkimit, Strange Origins, and Ahaia.
The Me Gong Festival upholds the rich cultural heritage of the Garo community. The event featured handloom and handicraft exhibitions with demonstrations from local artisans weaving traditional Garo attire 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 items like bamboo baskets and necklaces were also available.
Furthering the festival’s commitment to environmental sustainability, eco-friendly practices, including eco-friendly waste disposal bins and plastic-free zone were introduced.
