Ampati, December 17: The two-day Dimchrang Winter Festival – “A Rendevouz with Culture” at Ampati in South West Garo Hills concluded on a high note with a rock concert by confluence of various rock bands from Garo Hills and beyond enthralling the impressive crowd on Saturday night.
The festival was organized by Ampati Arts & Cultural Society in collaboration with South West Garo Hills District Administration and government line departments and managed by the event management group – William Initiative.
During the two-day festival, the local youths got the opportunity and platform to showcase their talents through series of competitions, including music, games & sports, dance and various other forms of arts. They also got the opportunity to interact and share space with the artistes from outside the state who were invited to perform during the festival.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma joined the revellers as the chief guest on the first day of the festival. He also shared the stage with the Indian Idol fame Amit Paul where he sang Kishore Kumar’s evergreen number Kabhi Alvida naa kehna along with the singer.
Speaking briefly to the audience after handing over the traditional costumes to the members of Ampati Arts & Culture Society, the Chief Minister said that the scheme to have such winter festivals in every district was conceptualized for the benefit of the youth to provide them a platform to showcase and promote their talents and also enable them to share and learn by bringing in artistes from different parts of the country.
“Through this festival, we want to promote the region of Garo hills as tourist destination and also enable the youth of the region to learn and make a choice in the field of music, wherein we have lot of talents”, he said.
He said that it was the endeavour of the government to promote talents and skills of the people, particularly the youth, adding that a festival like Dimchrang gives an opportunity and a platform for local entrepreneurs and artists to engage and enhance their capabilities. It also builds a bonding among the people through the festivities and enables them to partner with the government in spreading the message of peace, love and hope, he added.
Later the Chief Minister also joined with the Chief Executive Member, GHADC Boston Marak to sing Songkristan numbers and kept the audience enthralled.Songkristan is a collection of old Garo praise and devotional songs which are used for community dances during the season of Christmas.
Other highlights of the two-day Dimchrang Festival were a magic show by Amazing David of Kolkata, who performed 11 different illusion acts, a rock concert and a comedy show by top comedians of Garo Hills, Simon George Marak and Jesse James R.Marak, besides the talent show, indigenous games & sports and various other competitions. An exhibition put up by various government departments, SHGs and entrepreneurs also offered a wide range of products for the shoppers and revellers to buy during the two-day festival.
