By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 14: Shillong is all set to host its first-ever Christmas Carol Singing Competition for groups and choirs on December 20 and 21 at Anton Hall, Laitumkhrah. Jointly presented by Big FM and JBL, the event, titled ‘Jingle All The Way’, will celebrate one of the most cherished traditions of Christmas — carol singing—placing it at the heart of the city’s festive celebrations.
‘Jingle All The Way’ is expected to be a vibrant and engaging affair, inviting participation from local communities, churches, and anyone who loves Christmas carols. It aims to showcase the best musical talent from Meghalaya while spreading the holiday spirit through music.
To honour Meghalaya’s rich musical heritage, competing groups and choirs have been encouraged to add a creative twist to traditional carols, blending popular Western and indigenous musical styles to highlight the state’s exceptional musical prowess.
In addition to the singing competition, JBL and Big FM will bring more festive cheer to the streets of Shillong with a three-day ‘Canter Activity’. This custom-decorated canter, adorned with Christmas lights, decorations, and festive characters, will roll through the city’s main locations, engaging the public with activities such as Karaoke, Christmas Rap Contests, and a Silent Disco. The initiative will not only spread joy and distribute prizes but also showcase JBL’s latest sound devices and technology.
Adding to the excitement, some of Shillong’s leading musicians, including Rudy Wallang, Kitkupar Shangpliang, Jeremy Mawlong, and Tipriti Kharbangar, will be part of the event.
Their involvement ranges from judging the competition to endorsing the event, with Rudy Wallang and his band headlining the Grand Finale as the main performers.
The event is supported by IOCL and BIS Hallmark.
Festive cheer takes centre stage as Christmas draws closer
With just 10 days left until Christmas, the festive spirit has finally taken hold of Shillong, a city renowned for its vibrant Christmas and New Year celebrations.
As temperatures continue to dip, marking the onset of winter, preparations for the festivities have intensified. Government and private establishments, shops, and shopping malls across the city are beautifully illuminated, adding to the festive cheer.
The Assembly Building at Khyndai Lad has been adorned with festive decorations, while work to light up and decorate Police Bazar is already under way
Adding to the holiday joy, the Government of Meghalaya has approved a special relaxation for the disbursement of pay and allowances to all gazetted and non-gazetted employees, as well as pensioners, for December 2024. The payments will be disbursed from December 19 onwards to ensure employees can fully enjoy the Christmas festivities.
Meanwhile, the bustling commercial hubs of Police Bazar and Iewduh are witnessing a heavy rush of shoppers. However, many shopkeepers have expressed concern over the impact of online shopping, which has been affecting their business for years.
Prominent churches in the city have also been illuminated, adding to the festive atmosphere. Traffic snarls are becoming increasingly common as residents and visitors flock to the markets for their holiday shopping.
Carol singing and pre-Christmas programmes are being organized by various groups across the state, further spreading the festive spirit.
State government employees, in particular, are eagerly anticipating an extended holiday break from December 21 to January 1, allowing them to make the most of the festive season.