Even as the festive mood is setting in, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma has called for promoting the state as a popular destination for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Mukul told a gathering at the Winter Festival here that the rich and diverse culture of Meghalaya should be harnessed for economic benefits.

“The government is contemplating to declare December and January as calendar months for promotion of the state as a destination for celebration of Christmas and New Year.

The tourism department has been instructed to illuminate Shillong and Tura in the run up to the festivities,” he said.
Mukul said the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum has been asked to chalk out elaborate strategies for promoting the state as the winter destination.

“The unique Christmas celebrations of the Garo Hills should be preserved and promoted for economic gains,” he said.  Seeking cooperation from all sections of society, he said it has been an endeavour of his government to reach out to the people through sustained livelihood programmes and encourage activities related to tourism.

Meghalaya is abundantly blessed with rich culture, natural wealth and most importantly human resources. The government is trying to showcase and promote the culture and heritage of different tribes of the state,” he said.

He appealed to people to promote Meghalaya as a vibrant state during festivals and events.
He said Rs 165 crore has been earmarked for construction of the Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts.  Mukul said another centre of similar international standards would be established at Tura.  The West Garo Hills deputy commissioner has been entrusted with the responsibility of locating a suitable land for the centre, he added.

The much-awaited Christmas Singing Festival got underway here. 
The SBI Christmas Carol Singing Festival is being held for the first time.

It has brought together best choir groups from across West Garo Hills to perform at Chandmari playground. The choir groups from different churches performed their best numbers in Garo and English to set the note for the festival.

SBI AGM Nixon Joseph said, “The idea behind the festival is to unite the people and spread the message of peace and harmony”.

News Source : http://www.nagalandpost.com