SHILLONG: The sixth Tura Winter Festival or “Ahaia-2013” would commence with traditional grandeur at Chandmary Field in Tura on December 9. For a region troubled by militancy-related violence, the Winter Festival aims to instill hope. Accordingly, the theme for this year’s event is “Give Peace a Chance!”. The Festival is being jointly organized by Tura Arts & Culture Society in collaboration with the Arts & Culture Department, Meghalaya Tourism and the district administration.
Informing this here on Tuesday, West Garo Hills DC Pravin Bakshi said that apart from showcasing the unique art and culture and rich tradition of Garo Hills, the three-day festival would make a strong appeal for peace and tolerance in the region.
Meghalaya Governor Dr K K Paul will be the chief guest at the inaugural function of the event.
The Festival will kick start with a peace rally wherein hundreds of stakeholders including Church bodies, students, youth organizations, NGOs, representatives from social organizations, etc. shall participate, holding placards and banners imploring for tranquility and tolerance and making an impassioned appeal for return to normalcy to put Garo Hills back on the route to development. There would also be a grand inaugural function wherein musicians from across Garo Hills will participate. According to Bakshi, the second day of the event would be dedicated to women and children and programmes like baby shows and beauty pageants will be organized. The final day will witness youths vie with each other in the field of traditional sports. As part of the grand finale, a peace concert will be organized in the evening. Bands from the region will fight it out t the Battle Rock-VI during the event. Stalls showcasing the entrepreneurial ability of the people of Garo Hills, slow food festival, Tura master chef competition, etc. will also feature in the event.