TURA, Dec 17 - The festive spirit in Garo Hills reached a high note during Dimchrang festival at Ampati in South West Garo Hills with a scintillating performance by Indian Idol fame Amit Paul on Saturday.
The crowd of over 6,000 people went gaga as Amit took the stage with Bollywood romantic and dancing numbers.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma sang alongside Amit and the crowd joined in the singing. Mukul wished the people of Garo Hills an advance Merry Christmas and said that the annual festivals, which are held in Garo Hills, were endeavours of the government to promote talents and showcase artists from different parts of the country.
�Through this festival, we want to promote the region of Garo Hills as tourist destination and also enable the youth of the region to learn and make a choice in the field of music, wherein we have lot of talents�, he said.
�The festivals give a platform for local entrepreneurs and artists to engage and enhance their capabilities. It bonds the people with the spirit of festivities and enable the government to partner in spreading the message of peace, love and hope�, he added.
Chief Executive Member of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) Boston Marak presented song kristan numbers and enthralled the audience. Song kristan are Garo Christmas songs, which speaks of love and faith for the almighty.
Prior to his performance at Ampati, Amit Paul had performed at Simsang Festival in Williamnagar in East Garo Hills in the presence of Education and Literacy Minister Deborah Marak.
The winter festivals in four districts of South West, East, North and South Garo Hills comes to an end, while the final festival at Tura in West Garo Hills begins on Monday.
