Garo men take part in a procession during Simsang festival in Williamnagar

Tura, Dec. 4: Elegant young girls sashayed down the ramp, while bare-chested Garo men in traditional attire rent the air with war cries. The blend of the bold and the beautiful was the hallmark of the two-day Simsang Festival that got under way at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills yesterday with an extravaganza of pageants, rallies, a dance competition, baby show and flower arrangement contests.

The event, organised by Williamnagar Arts and Culture Society and presented by the district administration, is aimed at showcasing tourism potential of the Garo hills and local talent vis-à-vis providing an opportunity to local entrepreneurs.

Meghalaya social welfare minister Deborah C. Marak inaugurated the festival in the presence of Songsak MLA Nihim D. Shira, Kharkutta MLA Cherak Momin, chief executive member, Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Alphonse A. Sangma, deputy commissioner in-charge of East Garo Hills Proloy M. Sangma and other dignitaries.

The Garo hills is recovering from the trauma of militancy as well as natural calamities like floods and landslides that claimed over 50 lives barely two months ago. A healing touch with colour, rhythm and entertainment will hopefully provide succour.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Marak said the festival is a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their creations and promote business.

Urging the youths to avail of the benefits of government schemes, she emphasised the need to tap the vast tourism potential of the Garo hills. However, she admitted that the prevailing law and order situation is an obstacle for promotion of tourism.

“The rich culture and bio-diversity of Garo hills should be promoted for economic gains,” Marak said. She also dwelt on the need to brand Garo hills and market the USP of the region to the rest of the world. “Khasi and Jaintia hills region is being explored by tourists from across the globe. The Garo hills, with all its avenues, can harp on the opportunity.”

Miss Simsang Ayanna Ember D. Shira (centre) and runners-up Minisha Chisim Sangma and Ambika R. Marak on Wednesday. Pictures by Saidul Khan

The simplicity and hospitality of the Garo tribe were highlighted. “A festival of this nature can go a long way in promotion of tourism. We have to utilise all possible resources for achieving the desired results,” the minister said. Raising a pitch for conservation of the longest Simsang river in Garo hills, she said, “Simsang is the pride of Garo hills. It needs to be conserved.”

The first day of the event saw a rally where 60 cyclists participated, a carnival which showcased the rich diversity of the Garo tribe and performances by local artistes.

“The festival imbibes a sense of good will among the people. It also gives an opportunity for cultural exchange and engages people in merriment during the festive month,” said Proloy M. Sangma, deputy commissioner in-charge of East Garo Hills.