SHILLONG: Shillong city on Saturday organised its first-ever carnival of peace and harmony as part of the week-long Meghalaya Day Celebrations.
Led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the carnival procession passed through the busy streets of Shillong city showcasing traditions of different ethnic communities of the state and neighbouring states.
Parts of the city came to a standstill as the procession marched towards State Central Library with different music and dance troupes accompanying the crowd.
Onlookers waving at participants were amazed to see different faces belonging to different communities in their traditional attires.
Cyclists from the Meghalaya Cycling Association also participated in the procession following the crowd who were moving in tune with the music being played.
It was a colourful display of the different cultures, tribes and communities of Meghalaya as the Meghalaya carnival made its way through the thoroughfare of Shillong city on Saturday.
Traditional musical instruments were played and the cultural troupes danced through the street as the carnival slowly proceeded towards the State Central Library.
Leaving his entourage behind, the Chief Minister also walked along. He said that the idea behind the initiative was to celebrate Meghalaya Day and Republic Day. He added that a series of activities had been planned to bring out patriotism and show the love for the state and the nation.
“There is so much of diversity and we are here to celebrate the diversity of the state as troupes from different communities and states are participating in the carnival,” the Chief Minister said.
Terming the atmosphere as wonderful, he added that in future, the Government would organise the carnival every years and encourage participation by more troupes in the carnival in future to celebrate the unity.