From Our Correspondent
TURA: Tura is all geared up to experience a cultural bonanza during the first and second weeks of December even as the West Garo Hills District Administration in collaboration with line departments is on a mammoth endeavor to give its people an experience of a lifetime.
Ahaia which literally means ’joyful celebration’ is the annual Winter Festival of West Garo Hills organized every year by the district administration.
This time round, Ahaia is being held from December 6 to December 8 and will be marked by a special performance by the renowned Shillong Chamber Choir which will be their maiden performance in Garo Hills.
On the December 5, a one thousand Chigring (traditional stringed musical instrument) Festival will be held at Chandmary playground.
The three day Ahaia will also feature a first time ever motor glider show including a flower show and food and wine festival. The Ahaia will lay special emphasis on the revival of ethnic food culture on the lines of the Slow Food Movement fad.
On the first day a carnival will be held in the morning followed by an inaugural function at Chandmary playground which will be graced by Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma. In the forenoon, the Shillong Chamber Choir will give a performance.
The second day will be marked by a marathon in the morning followed by a variety show and a Retro Night Concert at Chandmary playground. On the last day a fancy dress competition and a baby show for children followed by the Tura Winter Queen 2012 will be held at Chandmary playground.
The flower show and food and wine festival will be held throughout the Ahaia festival at the Deputy Commissioner’s Park. Sit in on the spot drawing competitions on various themes will also be held for children at D C’s park during the length of the festival.