Me’gong festival kicks off with musical extravaganza in Garo Hills

The much-awaited fourth edition of the Me’gong Festival kicked off with a spectacular evening of music at Baljek Airport near Jengjal, drawing thousands of enthusiastic attendees. 

The two-day festival, the largest music platform in the Garo Hills region, was inaugurated by Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, alongside the ambassadors of Uzbekistan, El Salvador, and Jamaica, setting an international tone to the grand event.

The opening night delivered an unforgettable musical experience, featuring performances by local and national artists. The all-woman band Haystack Ladies from Garo Hills opened the evening with captivating covers of international hits, warming up the crowd for an electrifying night. Garo band Da Suraka followed with their beloved local tracks, keeping the energy levels high.

Bollywood sensation Gajendra Verma, known for hits like Emptiness and Isme Tera Ghata, mesmerized the audience with over ten songs, including previews from his unreleased album. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, with attendees dancing and singing along to his Bollywood and international numbers.

The formal inauguration was marked by a ceremonial opening led by Tourism Minister Lyngdoh and the ambassadors, reflecting the festival’s significance as a global cultural exchange. Business at the food and craft stalls was brisk, with local cuisines, drinks, and traditional crafts adding flavour to the event.

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The night’s highlight was Dr Palash Sen and his band Euphoria, who took the crowd on a nostalgic journey with timeless hits like Dhoom Pichuk Dhoom and Maeri. Closing the night, former actor-turned-DJ Udita Goswami set the stage ablaze with her dynamic playlist, keeping the crowd energized until the early hours.

The Me’gong Festival has consistently attracted record-breaking audiences, with over 3 lakh attendees in 2023 for performances by the Vengaboys and Armaan Malik. This year, Swedish rock band Europe is set to headline the second day, promising another unforgettable experience.

Beyond music, this year’s festival, themed Echoes of Tradition, is a celebration of the rich culture of the Garo Tribe. Visitors can explore traditional dances, local sports, Garo handloom and handicrafts, and sample authentic Garo cuisine and brews.

As the Me’gong Festival continues to grow in stature, it remains a beacon for promoting the vibrant culture and music of Meghalaya to both national and international audiences.