TURA: The two-day Simsang Festival 2014 organized by the Williamnagar Arts and Cultural Society in collaboration with the District Administration got underway at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills on Wednesday.
Social Welfare Minister and local legislator, Deborah C Marak, inaugurated the Festival. While speaking on the occasion she said that the festival provided a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their creations and engage in business deals.
Urging the youths to avail benefits of government schemes, she laid emphasis on tapping the vast tourism potentials of Garo Hills. “The rich culture and bio-diversity of Garo Hills should be promoted for economic gains,” she said.
Marak also dwelt on the need to brand Garo Hills and market the unique selling points of the region for the rest of the world.
“Khasi and Jaintia Hills region is being explored by tourist from across the globe. Garo Hills with all its avenues can harp on the opportunity,” said Marak.
She said that a festival of this nature would go a long way in the promotion of tourism in the region given that the available resources are utilized to achieve the desired results.
She, however, lamented the surge in militancy related incidents which was a hurdle in the development of tourism in Garo Hills.
The first day of the event saw a cycle rally participated by about 60 cyclists and a carnival, which showcased the rich diversity of the Garo tribe and exposure of local talents.
Other highlights of the day included a dance competition, baby show, beauty pageant and flower arrangement competition.
Songsak MLA Nihim D Shira, Kharkutta MLA Cherak Momin, GHADC CEM Alphonse A Sangma and Deputy Commissioner in charge of East Garo Hills, Proloy M Sangma, were among other dignitaries who attended the inaugural programme.