By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 26: U Soso Tham Auditorium came alive on Thursday as the deep pulse of drums, the gentle breath of flutes and the crisp snap of bamboo clappers signalled the opening of the National Tribal Music Festival 2025, aptly titled ‘Rasong’.
What unfolded was far more than a cultural performance—it was a sonorous assertion of indigenous pride, resilience and revival.
The auditorium transformed into a vibrant amphitheatre of heritage as twelve states from across India came together in a sweeping celebration of tribal soundscapes.
At the core of Rasong was a call for recognition…of voices often marginalised, of art forms often relegated to the fringes.
“This is a major musical event that celebrates tribal music and we are proud of the fact that as many as 12 states have come together to celebrate tribal music,” said Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh while addressing the gathering.
“Tribal music has always been ancient. It has not got the proper recognition and this is something which we would like to correct.
By having 12 states come together in this fashion, there is also huge possibility of synergy—bringing together diverse elements from the various states and fusing them to one common goal,” he added.
The minister also made it clear that this was not a one-time showcase, but the beginning of a sustained cultural movement.
“We will not only continue but we will expand our horizon to ensure that even tribes which have not been represented so far will find representation in future events,” Lyngdoh said.
It may be noted that the festival’s significance lies not only in its scale, but in its urgency. With many tribal communities facing cultural erosion due to migration, modernization and neglect, Rasong arrives as both celebration and safeguard. It seeks to elevate tribal music beyond token displays, placing it at the heart of India’s evolving cultural discourse.
At a time when much of tribal heritage is at risk of being forgotten, the festival’s message rang clear: these rhythms will not be silenced. They will be heard, preserved and passed on not just in memory, but in practice.