NONGSTOIN: The one-day Nongkhnum Spring Break Fest 2014 held at the Nongkhnum Island in West Khasi Hills District on Friday last drew thousands from the State and from across North East to Asia’s second largest river island.
Only the Majuli island in Assam is bigger than the Nongkhnum island in the State.
Organised by the District Arts and Culture Society of West Khasi Hills District, the Spring Break Fest drew people from all over the North East despite the deplorable condition of the road leading to the island.
While the organizers expected at least 500 people to turn up for the event, the participation of over 10000 people who flocked to the venue marked the success of the Fest.
The event witnessed an array of programmes like motocross, beach volleyball, flower show, fancy dress competition for children, Theibhabriew and Rangkynsai (Mr and Miss) contest, ethnic food fest, tug of war and many others.
The motocross turned out to be the biggest crowd puller. The first of its kind in the district, bikers from Shillong, Guwahati and even from Mizoram participated in the event that offered a pulsating show of speed and balance.
Taomin Vaipheii of Mizoram enthralled the audience with his skills and feats. He was also adjudged the winner of the motocross competition.
Food stalls showcasing indigenous food items were another major attraction. Also available at the venue was an indigenous wine stall with wine made from grapes, ginger, beetroot, pineapple etc.
The Fest, the first of its kind in the district, however, was not without its share of dampeners. Bad road conditions meant that those travelling from Shillong and outside the State had to rush back in order to avoid being stranded. The pathetic road condition also dampened the spirit of the people on their way back.
One Ratul Kakoti from Assam who had come to witness the event said, “If only the roads to Nongkhnum were good the tourism potential of this island would have far surpassed that of Cherrapunji or any other place in Shillong.”
Tokaho Sumi from Nagaland was of the opinion that apart from repairing the roads, setting up tourist resorts at the island would be good idea. “If the government builds one, I’ll definitely come here as often as possible,” he said.
Nevertheless the people of the district were more than impressed with the sequence of events. Many from the district felt that, “Finally we have something to show to the world.”
West Khasi Hills does ) not have a hotel for tourists and the government owned lodges were filled with those who had come to witness and participate in the Fest.
But all said and done, from all perspectives, the Department of Art and Culture’s objective seemed more than fulfilled.
EAC West Khasi Hills District, S Warjri, who oversaw the conduction of the Fest told The Shillong Times that the Fest was a grand success. “The participation of the youth at the Fest was also inspiring,” he said.
Most of the youth from the area were of the opinion that this Fest should be held every year as it would help to generate a bond between the youths of the district.
