Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 19/24

TYISAM FESTIVAL INAUGURAL DAY

The two day Tyisam winter Festival took off to a colourful start today in Baghmara, with an elaborate inaugural programme consisting of unique cultural performances, music, talent shows, stalls and ethnic food.

The two day gala event was declared open by the Chief Guest, Thomas A. Sangma, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, at the grand opening ceremony organised by the South Garo Hills District Administration at the festival site, known as the Simsang Golden Beach, on the banks of the Simsang River. He was accompanied by Rakkam A. Sangma, Minister, Education, etc., Government of Meghalaya.

During his inaugural address, the Chief Guest said that the annual Tyisam festival was not only important from the tourism perspective but also for promoting the culture and traditions that are unique to the people residing in these parts of the Garo Hills region. “Even though I am originally from South  Garo Hills it is perhaps for the first time that I am able to witness such a detailed performance of the Chugan and the Ruga dance”, he said, visibly enthralled by the presentation of the traditional dances of the Atong and Ruga sub-tribes of South Garo Hills. To this end he exhorted the people, especially the youth, to make an effort to preserve their distinct culture and traditions.

Speaking further on the importance of Tyisam, the Chief Guest said that such festivals play a pivotal role in promoting talent among the youth through the various competitions and talent shows that are part of the festivals, apart from promoting products from local artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs through exhibitions and product showcases. He also implored the festival goers to preserve the beauty of surroundings by keeping it clean.

Education Minister, Rakkam A. Sangma, in his speech said that the development of tourism was key for livelihood generation and economic growth of the region. He said that road communication was set to improve significantly in the coming future and this will have a positive impact on the tourist inflow to South Garo Hills. In his speech he also expressed his gratitude towards the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, for the various schemes that have resulted in the creation of opportunities for enterprising youth in the tourism sector.

Delivering his welcome address, the Deputy Commissioner, South Garo Hills, S. Awasthi said that among all districts in Garo Hills, South Garo Hills is blessed with astounding natural beauty and innumerable places of interest for visitors and tourists. “We also have a lot of indigenous art, woodcrafts, horticulture products and local produce that have not only found a place in markets outside the state but also abroad”, he said. He further added that Tyisam being one of the bigger festivals, was a unique opportunity to bring together and showcase the best that the District has to offer under one platform.

This year’s Tyisam is also host to an Exhibition cum SHG Mela organised by the District Administration and the Meghalaya State Livelihood Society (MSRLS), supported by NABARD. A total of 75 exhibition stalls have been set up for product showcases from women SHGs and local entrepreneurs displaying indigenous wood crafts, art, local beverages and cuisine and other products from the region. Apart from sports, painting and talent shows, flower and vegetable shows, cooking competitions and live musical performances by renowned bands, special additions to this year’s Tyisam include adventure sports including zip lining, trampolines and hot air balloon rides. During the inaugural function the Chief Guest and the dignitaries also distributed Certificates of appreciation to Business Correspondent Agents, Bank Sakhis, Best Bank for SHG Bank Linkage and handed over a cheque amounting to Rs. 1,06,50,000 to 38 village organisations.

Press Release No. 20/24

FOUNDATION DAY HELD AT RAJ BHAVAN

In line with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative of the Government of India, which aims to foster stronger connections and promote mutual understanding among people from different states and Union Territories, a cultural evening was held at Raj Bhavan Shillong to commemorate the Foundation Day of Uttar Pradesh.

The Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in the presence of the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, Dr B D R Tiwari, IAS and other dignitaries and invites.

In his address, the Hon’ble Governor acknowledged Uttar Pradesh’s profound historical significance, highlighting its role as the epi-center of religion, art, literature, culture, civilization, and politics.

He noted Uttar Pradesh’s distinction as the home to revered figures like Ram, Krishna, and Buddha, emphasizing its spiritual significance with holy places such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Kashi, Nemish, Prayag, Lumbini, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and majestic rivers like Yamuna, Ganga, and Saryu—all embodying the essence of the Ganga-Jamuni culture.

The Hon’ble Governor further praised the state’s remarkable development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the dynamic guidance of its Chief Minister, Shri Yogi Adityanath. Furthermore, he remarked that Uttar Pradesh is steadfastly progressing towards becoming the country’s premier state, a testament to its continuous trajectory of development.

The cultural evening also witnessed a performance by renowned Kathak dancer, Sukanya Bora from Assam complemented by presentations by the students of NEIAH.

The program was organized by Raj Bhavan, Shillong in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya along with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Shillong.