Shillong is getting big on cultural events for twin causes, says Joe Hynniewta
IN A city that knows how to have fun, it is surprising to many that Shillong’s night life does not have a lot to offer. However, in the space of a few weeks, the Pine City has hosted two mega-cultural events that entertained tens of thousands.
Shillong has always had its share of New Year’s Eve festivities but the city came together in a way never seen before to usher in 2015 with celebrations at the maiden Shillong Midnight Fest (SMF) in Khyndailad. Then, on January 21, Meghalaya’s 43rd Statehood Day, the Concert for Peace was held to mark the state’s birthday at Polo.
This year Meghalaya pulled out all the stops for its big day. Besides the buzzing concert, there were BMX and bike stunt shows, painting competitions, a road race for the fleet of foot and flower show. Kids had a ball with a designated fun zone on the grounds of the State Central Library and they were also allowed free boat rides at Ward’s Lake. The iconic lake was also beautifully lit up at night for an additional visual treat.
In the evening all roads led to Polo, specifically the parking lot, which had been transformed into an entertainment arena with a massive stage up front, ample space for the large crowd, food stalls serving indigenous and other cuisines and a public entrance that had been designed with thatch work reminiscent of traditional Meghalaya architecture.
The masses were energised with traditional Khasi, Jaintia and Garo music; local bands in the form of Colours, Kubikles and Haystack Ladies; and the Serenity Choir. Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma even joined Kubikles on stage for a rendition of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘The Room at the Top of the Stairs’.
The New Year’s Eve concert in the heart of the city also saw Colours and Kubikles perform, as well as Dosser’s Urge and Fourth Element. Traditional drummers from Snap Paka and a b-boy crew revved up proceedings until midnight when DJs took over in a thumping performance of electronic dance music that kept the crowd of more than 20,000 up on their feet until the early hours.
The high quality sound, lighting and fireworks display (on New Year’s), not to mention the food courts that kept the audience fuelled, made sure that these were nights to remember.
Some people might balk at the cost of such high quality occasions, but there was a serious point to be made with the two events.
While the SMF was built on twin themes of Peace, Unity & Harmony and Keep Meghalaya Clean and Green in 2015, the Concert for Peace celebrated the fact that the state is one of the few in Indian history to have been created without bloodshed.
The two concerts also gave Meghalaya’s citizens, from all backgrounds, religions, ethnic groups and social strata, a chance to come together and celebrate together as one.
It took a tremendous collaborative effort by various government departments, the police and the events division of Group Avenues, but altogether it was a great success.
The large number of tourists who turned out for both events goes some way in showing the potential of the state. Already famed for its natural beauty, adding a lively nightlife that offers a safe but enjoyable space for families, young adults and others will put another feather in Meghalaya’s cap.