SAIDUL KHAN writes about AHAIA winter festival held at Tura, Meghalaya, from Dec 16th -19th,2014, which facilitated an opportunity for the rich talent pool and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and display of rich cultural mosaic and presentation of high dose of music …
The much-awaited four-day Ahaia winter festival kicked off with a mega carnival which showcased the vibrant culture, unity of religion and celebration of life. The carnival was flagged off by chief secretary Barkos Warjri in the presence of principal secretary R.K. Mishra and deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi among other dignitaries, from Chandmari playground. It passed through the main thoroughfares of the town and culminated at Dikki Bandi Stadium, Dakopgre. The carnival was led by Cariz Dreamz – a group of people participating in the carnival – which was based on this year’s Ahaia theme “celebrating life”. The contingent had participants all dressed in Venetian masks, fancy headgears and colourful costumes.
The Caring Father’s Foundation, an NGO, propagated the message of peace among all communities, while the Kramcheng Socio-Cultural club displayed unity of all religions by showing Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Muslims on a single platform. Among other tableaux which displayed the rich rendition of Garo society, one propagated the message of apiculture by the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme.
The festival was inaugurated at Dikki Bandi Stadium by Meghalaya’s youth and sports affairs minister Zenith Sangma in the presence of parliamentary secretary Noverfield Marak and Bajengdoba legislator Brigady Marak besides a host of other government officials and dignitaries.
PC: UDDIPTA SANKAR PATHAK
Speaking at the inauguration, Sangma said the government intends to take the festivals of Garo Hills to a much bigger level. He said: “The festival demonstrates cultural heritage and tradition and creates a platform for the visitors to showcase their talents.” He said aggressive marketing and promotion of Garo hills was the need of the hour. “Efforts are on to promote Garo hills as a winter destination which will boost the tourism potential.” Stating that the government’s programmes were aimed at the uplift of the socio-economic condition of the people, Zenith Sangma said: “The growth of the people will ensure actual development of the region.”
He was of the view that everyone should take the opportunity of government initiatives and make contributions for a better Meghalaya. Highlighting the recent natural calamities, which wrecked havoc in Garo hills, Warjri said: “It is a sign that people cannot be put down. It ensures that people have faith and hope and move forward to celebrate life”.
PC: UDDIPTA SANKAR PATHAK
Speaking at length about innovation as key ingredient for development, Warjri expressed happiness that people have come forward to showcase their products and their entrepreneurial activities. “The people of Garo Hills should avail themselves of the best use of their natural resources for a holistic human development,” said principal secretary R.K. Mishra. He appreciated the manner in which the festival kicked off in Tura. Bakshi said: “The festival will send the message of peace, tranquillity and fortitude.”
The other highlights of the festival were — Ahaia Teen Queen, display of designer outfits by Jenjum Gadi and Chandrani Singh Flora.The designers showcased outfits designed by using fabrics from Meghalaya.
The show was presented under the title – “Eco Weaves”. “The objective of the show is to present modern outfits and markets textile of Meghalaya for the rest of the world”, said Matsiewdor War Nongbri, Director Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya.
The show also gave a platform for bands from Garo Hills to display their talents before the crowd. Some of the prominent bands, which performed during the four day event were – Ahohe, a fusion band, which won the hearts of many with their numbers influenced from Garo folk songs, Titans, Haystacks, etc.
The high voltage event concluded with a “peace concert” on Dec 19 with the internationally acclaimed – “Girish and The Chronicles” taking the stage on fire. The concert was witnessed by Meghalaya chief minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma, who was overwhelmed with the festivities that he made an announcement to host an international rock festival in Tura next. He also said that government will lay foundation for centre for excellence in music at Tura and Shillong.
