Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 1137/17

2ND INDIA INTERNATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

The Government of Meghalaya kickstarted the 2nd India International Cherry Blossom Festival today at the 5th Ground, Polo Grounds, Shillong wherein the Meghalaya Minister for Forests & Environment, Shri. Clement Marak was the Chief Guest. Present at the inauguration function were the Chief Secretary in charge, Shri. P S Thangkhiew, Principal Secretary, Tourism, etc., Smti. R V Suchiang and a host of dignitaries. The Festival is being held in association with the Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development (IBSD), Government of India and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India. In his inaugural address, Shri. Marak said that the State Government is focusing on promoting tourism potential of the State by organising such festivals which not only boost tourism but also projects the positive image of the State. Stating that Cherry Blossom Festivals celebrated in countries like Japan, USA, Switzerland and Korea have established intercontinental friendship, he expressed hoped that in a few years, the State can get international recognition with the active participation of government departments and stakeholders. He also informed the gathering that Meghalaya is the first in the world to celebrate autumn Cherry Blossom Festival based on local cherry trees which bloom uniquely in the State. Shri. Marak also said that the festival will further the commitment of the Government to promote tourism in the State by showcasing the rich cultural and natural resources the State can offer. ‘By celebrating Cherry Blossom we are celebrating nature’ said Shri. Marak and therefore it is our moral obligation to preserve this rich biodiversity. During the day, the Chief Guest also released the special cover of the 2nd India International Cherry Blossom Festival Postage Stamp.

Press Release No. 1138/17

NOTIFICATION

The Government of Meghalaya has notified the transfer of the villages under Damalgre C & RD Block to Rongram C & RD Block, West Garo Hills. The villages include Rongkhon Songgital, Penney Valley, Sonanpara, Ringgigre, Agillanggre, Asibra, Robagre, Chandragre, Daldagre, Bokmagre, Danak Dopgre, Siltinggre, Danakgre and Badagonggre. This was informed by the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, C & RD Department.

Press Release No. 1140/17

VVPAT AWARENESS CAMP

The Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District in a press release issued has informed all registered electors of Ri Bhoi District that the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) Awareness Camp has been set up in the office of the Deputy Commissioner and will function w.e.f 9th November 2017 onwards from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM All registered electors are invited to attend the awareness camp to acquaint themselves on the use of the machine in future elections.

Press Release No. 1142/17

4 DAY HUNDRED DRUMS WANGALA FESTIVAL KICK STARTS

The 4 day Hundred Drums Wangala Festival and Cultural extravaganza kick started today at Asananggre, West Garo Hills, near Tura commencing with the indigenous games and sports of the Garo tribes. It may be mentioned that the Wangala is the most significant post harvest festival of the Garos generally held in the second week of November every year. It is a Thanksgiving ceremony to Misi Saljong also known as Pattigipa Rarongipa (The Great Giver) for having blessed the people with rich harvest of the season. Wangala which is the cultural identity of the Garos is fast disappearing due to the impact of modern civilization and western culture. Therefore in order to protect and preserve and promote this cultural identity, a group of Garo intellectuals put their heads together and decided to organize the Wangala Festival on modern lines. The first 100 drums Wangala Festival was successfully organized on 6th and 7th December, 1976 at Asanang, the Headquarter of Rongram Development Block, since then, the 100 Drums Wangala Festival is being organized in the second week of November every year and the festival has grown over the years under the patronage of the Government of Meghalaya and nurtured by Festival Organization.

Press Release No. 1143/17

MOU SIGNED BETWEEN MEGHALAYA AND BELGIUM

Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma today signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Government of Meghalaya, Republic of India and the Wallonia Region of the Kingdom of Belgium at Taj Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi. The MoU was signed to promote favourable relations of partnership and beneficial cooperation between the two and to recognize the importance of the principles of equality and mutual in the fields of Trade and Commerce, Training, Healthcare, Environmental areas, Science and Technology, Agro-food including breweries, Sports and leisure, Architecture and heritage, Urban development/Eco-systems management, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and other fields that shall be mutually agreed upon. The King and Queen of Belgium are on a visit to India and as many as 16 MoUs have been signed between different stakeholders of India and the Kingdom of Belgium during the signing ceremony. Two MoUs have been signed with the government of Meghalaya during the occasion.