SHILLONG: Lok Bhavan, Shillong, marked the 77th Republic Day on Monday with a vibrant cultural programme that celebrated the rich and diverse heritage of the Northeast. The event was held in the august presence of the Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, who took the National Salute as the Meghalaya Police Band rendered the National Anthem.
Organised by the Department of Arts and Culture, the programme opened with the rendition of the State Anthem by Elsa Dkhar, Piano Instructor at the State Institute of Arts and Culture, followed by a patriotic medley performed by artistes from the institute.
A series of traditional dance performances from across the Northeast brought alive the region’s cultural vibrancy. Dances from Meghalaya included Ka Shad Knia Sngi, Wangala (Harvest Dance) and Ka Chad Rep. Other performances featured Satriya Dance from Assam, Cheraw (Bamboo Dance) from Mizoram, Lai Haraoba Folk Dance from Manipur, Modse Warrior Victory Dance from Nagaland, Nyishi Rikham Pada from Arunachal Pradesh, Reang Lebang Boomani Folk Dance from Tripura, and Tamang Selo (Damphu Dance) from Sikkim.
Adding to the patriotic fervour, the Assam Rifles Jazz Band enthralled the audience with a special musical performance of patriotic compositions.
The programme also witnessed the felicitation of distinguished personalities for their contributions. Dr. Delphine Gare Momin, Kmoin Wahlang, and Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta were conferred with different awards for their contribution in the field of sports, music and social work.
Winners of the annual Flower Show were also felicitated, with Kynton Kharkongor receiving the coveted ‘King of the Show’ title, while Donald Khardewsaw was declared ‘Queen of the Show’.
The celebrations concluded with group photographs of the artistes and dignitaries, followed by the National Anthem, as the Assam Rifles Jazz Band continued to perform patriotic numbers, bringing the Republic Day celebrations to a spirited close.
