Tura,Nov,26: The sixth version of Tura Winter Festival “Ahaia” 2013 will began from the 9th November in Chandmary Field , Tura. The three day festival with the theme “Give Peace a Chance !” will began with all traditional grandeur.
The three day festivities apart from concentrating on celebration of the unique art and culture , rich traditions of Garo Hills , multiculturism of diverse communities and their folk dance , folk lore and ethnic festival wear shall also make a definite call for peace and tolerance .
Meghalaya Governor Dr K K Paul will be the chief guest on the occasion. The festival is being jointly organized by Tura Arts & Culture Society with funds received from Arts & Culture Department, Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Tourism and district administration with its event partners.
The three day Ahaia-2013 Winter Festival will kick start with a peace rally wherein hundreds of stakeholders including the Church bodies and representatives , students , youth organizations , United Christian Peace Forum , NGOs , representatives from social organizations , traders , academicians , senior citizens shall participate with placards and banners imploring for tranquility and tolerance , proclaiming peace and making an impassioned appeal for return to normalcy to put Garo Hills back on the route to development .
There would be a exhilarating inaugural function with Dr KK Paul , which shall incorporate stellar acts such as Achik Orchestra arranged from the side of 100 Drums Wangala Committee with award –winning musicians in the instrumentals in the Wangala festival , Garo War Dance and musical renditions from several schools and colleges and renowned musical veterans .
It would be followed in the evening by an entertaining Retro Nite wherein the best and the brightest starts of yesteryears shall belt out melodious tunes of their times .
Several important personalities now illuminating the political firmament shall participate and the event would also honor the well-loved musical greats of Garo Hills who have left behind an unforgettable legacy .
Bakshi informed the Retro Nite would also include special number of Beatles legend John Lennon “Give peace a chance!” which is the theme of this winter festival in a year that has been marred with violence and disruptions and there shall be a candle light invocation for peace and harmony preceding it .
As per Deputy Commissoner, the second day would be the day dedicated to women and children . In the first half of the second day there shall be a “Little Angels” – Healthy & Pretty Baby Show and “Hansel & Gretel” – Fancy Dress Competition for children
The events have always been very popular with the children in all versions of Ahaia .In the evening from 4 pm onwards there shall be a beauty pageant called Tura Winter Queen along with a fashion show showcasing the indigenous wear of the region and rich textiles and designs that has inspired a generation of fashion designers from the region .
On the final day there shall be an exhibition of muscular might as youths vie with each other in the arena of traditional sports and games and there shall also be an inter locality tug of war event .
On the final day there shall be an exhibition of muscular might as youths vie with each other in the arena of traditional sports and games and there shall also be an inter locality tug of war event . As a grand finale for the evening there shall be a peace concert as a befitting culmination of the hugely entertaining Battle Rock – VI which is the signature rock band contest of the region with the best of the best musical teams and rock bands contesting and vying for the ultimate honours of being declared the undisputed ‘kings of rock’ in the region .
The other attractions include more than 50 stalls to showcase the entrepreneurial ability of the region , slow food festival to tickle the taste buds , a Tura Master Chef competition , eclectic food stalls of Home Science College and Food Craft Institute and other famous eateries of Tura and a mouth watering ‘Cakes & Bakes’ exhibition showcasing the best cakes to brighten up the pre-Christmas revelry .(SP News)
