Betasing (Meghalaya), Jan. 28: The hills of Betasing in South West Garo Hills today reverberated with music and dance to the sound of drums, cymbals, flute and adil as the colourful three-day extravaganza of cultural confluence, Rhythm of the Hills Festival, kicked off.

The first edition of the festival was held in January 2014.

The government aims to make the festival a calendar event to promote and showcase the rich and vibrant culture of the state.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma inaugurated the festival, in the presence of arts and culture minister Clement Marak and legislators Noverfield Marak, Limison Sangma, arts and culture director Matsiewgor War Nongbri, deputy commissioner of South West Garo Hills Ram Singh and superintendent of police Ramesh Singh.

The event envisages showcasing all major tribes of the state and their rich heritage, culture and lifestyle. The local entrepreneurs and self-help groups have been given a platform to display and sell their products.

Young musician Mikhail Marak and his team performed the theme song - Krimkro krimkro doke hai (Let us make music in unison). It set the tone for the event, said to attract over 50,000 visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said, "The festival was conceptualised with a futuristic approach to demonstrate the capabilities of the people and exhibit the vibrant culture of the people, so as to relay the positive stories of the people globally".

He said the festival is linked to entrepreneurial activities and tourism, which will economically empower the people of the state. "For the past several years, Meghalaya has been hosting a number of events and festivals to send out a message that the state is exclusive in its culture, art and music".

The chief minister is of the opinion that by promoting culture and lifestyle, Meghalaya can set its own benchmark and attract visitors to the state. He said the government, through its welfare programmes, has been encouraging entrepreneurs to create unique handicrafts and agro-horticultural products.

He told the gathering that on Saturday he would be wearing a shirt made of a ramie plant fabric, which was undertaken on an experimental basis. "We have been promoting ramie plantation across Garo hills. The fabric will give a tough competition to other fabrics and will provide a viable option for the planters".

He was optimistic that Meghalaya will be able to earn a reputation of its own in the field of textile and apparel making as the government has rolled out a slew of initiatives in the sector.

Interacting with artisans at the exhibition, spearheaded by the district industries and commerce department, the chief minister promised all help to technically upgrade their products and add value.

Clement Marak said this event is an endeavour to bring people of all walks of life together on one platform where they can showcase their culture and tradition and their talents and also get to share and learn from each other.

He called upon the gathering to keep up the effort to preserve the unique and diverse culture of the people through which they can promote tourism and attract more visitors to the region.

"The festival will further the inherent talents and will give them an exposure. The performing artistes, beauty of Garo hills can be showcased to the world through festivals. The state is unexplored by the people, and by hosting festivals we can offer the world a taste to our culture and lifestyle," said Nongbri.

The other highlights of the festival were cultural dance competition of different tribes and a rock concert by Cubical band from Shillong and Black Jack from Tura.