SHILLONG: The Governor Dr KK Paul and Arts and Culture Minister, Clement R Marak have expressed their inability to attend the inaugural programme of Ahaia 2013 – Tura Winter Festival in view of the State mourning declared by Government of India due to the demise of global, visionary leader Nelson Mandela.
The programmes for the festival scheduled to be inaugurated on December 9 on the theme “Give Peace A Chance” has been modified. The programme will kick start with an Inter Faith Peace March starting and culminating in Chandmary Field at 9am on December 9.
Following this, there will be solemn opening with some prayers, patriotic songs and homage to Nelson Mandela, the great departed anti-apartheid leader and messenger of non-violence and peace. The Retro Nite fixed for December 9, 4pm has been re-scheduled to December 13.
On December 10, a baby show and Fancy Dress Competition for Kids will be organised at 11am while the Tura Winter Queen “Ambassador of Peace” fixed for 4:00 pm has been re-scheduled to December 14.
On December 11, the programme will kick off with the Indigenous
Sports & Games at 9am followed by the Ahaia -2013 Tura Winter Festival Cultural and Musical Programme at 4.30pm with Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma as Chief Guest which will then be followed by Battle Rock – VI.
It was also informed that stalls will be organized for 5 days from December 9 to 13.