Meghalaya Autumn Fest to project NE

SHILLONG, Oct 29 – Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation along with Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) are all set to project the rich and colourful cultures of the North Eastern region at the Shillong Autumn Festival 2011, said former Meghalaya Minister and MTDF spokesman, RG Lyngdoh.

Addressing a press conference at Shillong Press Club here, Lyngdoh said the North East has been misrepresented in the mainstream India as the region is plagued with guns, AIDS and law and order problem. He said the aim of the forthcoming festival is to dispel all the misconceptions of the region.

“Experience the North East” has been decided as this year’s theme of the Shillong Autumn Festival as the rallying point to create awareness, a place to expose and sell the natural products of the State and the North East”, Lyngdoh said.

The three-day Autumn Festival would kick off on November 4 with the Shillong Street Carnival involving the localities, schools and colleges and cultural troupes of the eight States of North East, Lyngdoh said, adding that the cultural parade would be part of the festival.

The grand finale of the festival would be shifted to the scenic Orchid Lake Resort at Barapani near here which would be represented by mega haats against the backdrop of the lake.

He also informed that the North East Cultural Extravaganza would showcase the Manipuri Krishna Ballet, Pung Cholom and Thang Ta (Martial Arts) display.

The festival would also include adverture sport, fashion and music, said Lyngdoh, adding that the visitors would also witness never seen before Acro Flights by Ace Paraglider pilots from France.