By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 7: In a twist of fate reminiscent of recent events, the notorious rain curse struck again, affecting the highly anticipated Me•gong festival scheduled to kick off at Baljek-Jengjal in West Garo Hills. The festival, featuring Parikrama, a prominent rock band, had to adapt its schedule due to unpredictable weather conditions.
An official notification explained, “Due to unpredictable weather conditions, we have got a schedule tweak for you, and all the main stage performers and our incredible lineup of artists set for Day 1 are now shifting gears and making their grand entrance on Day 2 and Day 3!”
This scenario echoed a similar situation that prevailed during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Bhoirymbong, where the first day faced a washout due to incessant rainfall. National and international artistes slated for the initial day had to be rescheduled, with local artists taking the stage at Me•gong, promising a bigger and better experience.
While the festival was inaugurated with cultural performances in the presence of Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, the main concert had to be postponed.
Local artists expressed concerns about potential cut-downs to their sets, drawing parallels to the Cherry Blossom festival, and rumors circulated about sound-check restrictions.
As of the latest report filing, details about the rescheduling remained unavailable.
It is worth noting that the Cherry Blossom Festival faced cancellation last year due to the Mukroh firing incident.
Traffic arrangement
The West Garo Hills Police department has notified special arrangements for traffic including parking for the ongoing Me•gong Festival.
As per the arrangement, a designated parking area on the right side of the main stage has been kept for VVIPs, designated parking area at the right side of the main stage also for delegates (officials), parking area designated near the main entrance for 3 and 4-wheelers and parking area designated at the playground adjacent to Jengjal PS and Tapra Alda LP School ground for two-wheelers. The road along the exit route from the main venue towards Williamnagar, Tura and Jengjal Highway has been declared a ‘No Parking Zone’.
