SHILLONG: The 80th Independence Day celebrations at Lok Bhavan, Shillong, continued into their second day on August 16, 2026, with the “Colors of India” event drawing large crowds and showcasing the vibrant tapestry of local enterprise and cultural heritage. Citizens, artists, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs came together in a lively celebration of national unity and regional diversity.
A central attraction of Sunday’s festivities was the bustling exhibition area, where local producers and grassroots creators displayed their goods, recorded strong sales, and enjoyed valuable economic opportunities.
The initiative was the result of a collaborative effort involving PRIME Meghalaya, the Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB), MEGNOLIA, the Department of Arts and Culture, and allied state agencies.
Visitors explored a wide array of regional products, with dedicated showcases from Meghalaya Collectives, the Mushroom Development Centre, Florish Meghalaya Orchid Garden, and Chrysanthemum Farms.
Artisan groups such as Indigenous Innovations of Meghalaya and the Women’s Group & Handicrafts Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society further highlighted the state’s craftsmanship.
Entrepreneurs shared their success stories at the event.
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Polison D. Momin, of Nokma Ice Creams, credited their cooperative’s 2024 launch (supported by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency) for expanding their reach across the Garo Hills and introducing local jackfruit and vanilla flavors to new audiences at Lok Bhavan.
On August 15, Nokma Ice Creams sold over 3,000 units, generating sales exceeding ₹1 lakh. Similarly, Tengchira A. Sangma, founder of Tengchi Brave Stitch, highlighted the support she received from PRIME Meghalaya after winning the 2025 PRIME E-Championship and a ₹2 lakh business grant.
Her first-time participation at Lok Bhavan resulted in ₹25,000 in sales in a single day. Stone artisan Darsing Syiemlieh from Nongstoin, Khlieh Mawlieh, credited his 2023 incubation with PRIME Meghalaya for transforming his once-struggling stone carving venture into a thriving business, allowing him to showcase his craft at a prestigious state-level platform.
Beyond entrepreneurship, “Colors of India” served as a cultural confluence, with artistic traditions from across the country on full display. Highlights included the theatrical performance “Devi Mahima, The Glory of Nari Shakti” by Karnataka Sangha from Mandya, a Bharatanatyam interpretation of “Vande Mataram” by Mysore’s Prajna Kashyap, and traditional dances by Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo cultural troupes representing Meghalaya’s rich heritage.
The event also featured the rhythmic Bhawai Dance and the soulful “Kesariya Balam” presented by the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Rajasthan, before concluding with a traditional Kashmiri dance organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.
The “Colors of India” event not only celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural wealth of Meghalaya and India, but also underscored the importance of unity in diversity as the state marked eight decades of Independence.
(4FrontMedia news)
