BETASING: ‘Rhythm of the Hills’ – the three-day festival of indigenous dance, music and culture, organized by the State Art & Culture Department in collaboration with Betasing Block Development Office, got underway here at the Betasing block headquarters in South West Garo Hills on Wednesday with Minister for Arts & Culture, Clement Marak and Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Zenith Sangma attending the inaugural function as the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively.
Mahendraganj legislator Dikkanchi D Shira, GHADC Chairman PK Sangma, Betasing MDC Nripendra Koch, other local leaders and officials of the District Administration were also present on the occasion.
The festival, which is aimed at promoting music, dance, culture and talents of the people of the region with a focus on preservation of variety of indigenous arts and culture in one arena, is being participated by various indigenous tribes from all over Garo Hills and beyond, including the Garo, Hajong, Koch, Rabha, Boro and Rajbongshi communities, besides sub-tribes of Garo Hills such as Ruga, Gara-Ganching and Maram of West Khasi Hills.
In his inaugural address, Clement Marak said, “The rich and diverse culture is a testimony to the cultural unity through which we can build a beautiful and prosperous Garo Hills.” He also said that the festival is an attempt to protect and preserve the culture and tradition of the indigenous people of the region.
The chief guest also unfurled the festival flag and released a bunch of balloons and later, he along with the other dignitaries lit the festival lamp to mark the opening of the three-day gala festival.
Zenith Sangma, in his brief address, said that the festival would encourage various communities and tribes of the region to preserve their age-old culture, adding that it was important for all to learn and understand the roots of their culture.
He also expressed the commitment and support of the government for conservation of the culture and traditions of all the communities living in the State.
Earlier, in her welcome and introductory address, Director, Arts & Culture, M War Nongbri, said that the festival is not only aimed at promoting and preserving the culture and tradition of the communities of the region, but would also act as a catalyst in the process of maintaining peace and harmony among the people.
The first day witnessed traditional dance competitions of the Koch and Hajong, besides songs and dance competition among the youth of the area.
Governor Dr. KK Paul is slated to grace the grand finale of the festival on Friday as the chief guest.
