a freestyle battle organised as part of the Meghalaya
Day celebrations at Polo Parking Lot on Monday. (ST)
SHILLONG: The State Government has planned a variant of events to celebrate the 43rd Meghalaya Day in a befitting manner throughout the State with many exciting events lined up for the public.
The opening act of the Statehood Day commemorations on Tuesday will see freestyle BMX and motorbike shows at Polo Grounds, Shillong, organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
A painting competition will also be held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, organised by the Department of Arts and Culture on the same day.
On Wednesday, the Meghalaya Day celebrations will begin with the Meghalaya Day Run from Madan Iewrynghep to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, starting at 8:30 am which will be organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Ward’s Lake will be transformed into a free entry zone throughout the day on Wednesday with free boat rides available for children up to the age of 15. The Department of Tourism will also organise a special illumination of the lake.
The Directorate of Horticulture will organise a flower show on the State Central Library premises at 10 am, while an event of fun and games for children will be held at the same time and at the same location, planned by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills.
A friendly football match between the Shillong Press Club and Khasi Student’s Union Central Body will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 1 pm, supported by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs. Donations for flood victims of Meghalaya will be welcomed during the match.
The main programme will begin at 3 pm at U Soso Tham Auditorium where Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will give away the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards and prizes to the winners of various competitions.
The day’s festivities will culminate with a peace concert at Polo Parking Lot, which is set to energize the masses with traditional Khasi, Jaintia and Garo music and performance from local bands – Colours, Kubikles and Haystack Ladies – and a special act by the Serenity Choir.
The concert, organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations and Department of Arts and Culture, will kick off at 5:30 pm. A choreographed fireworks display organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations will light the night sky at 7 pm at Second Ground, while the evening will also feature an Ethnic Food Festival organised by the Department of Tourism at Polo Parking Lot.
The District Administration of West Jaintia Hills will also celebrate Meghalaya Day on Wednesday at 11 am at the District Library Auditorium, Jowai.