Resubelpara, North Garo Hills – The Awe Festival 2025 was inaugurated on Wednesday at Resubelpara by Meghalaya Tourism Minister Thimothy D. Shira, drawing a large crowd of elected representatives, district officials, and visitors from across the Garo Hills region. This festival celebrates the district’s vibrant culture, promotes tourism, and provides a platform for local entrepreneurship.
The festival opened with over 70 stalls, featuring traditional artifacts, handloom and handicraft products, locally crafted wooden items, indigenous fruit wines, agri-horti produce, and regional cuisines. Visitors enjoyed exploring North Garo Hills’ rich culture while interacting with local artisans, farmers, and young entrepreneurs.
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Minister Highlights Cultural and Economic Importance
Minister Thimothy D. Shira emphasized that the Awe Festival 2025 serves as a stage for farmers, weavers, artisans, and youth to showcase their skills in arts, music, and business. He described the event as a “window to the vibrant culture of North Garo Hills,” underlining its potential to attract tourists and create sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister also announced funding for the development and beautification of key tourist destinations, including Jolding Wari, Rongma Gitil, Na•ka Chikong, Do•bakol, Rongpetchi, and the Shiva Lingam at Radi Nokat. He encouraged young people to consider entrepreneurship as a sustainable career opportunity.
Local Leaders Applaud Community Participation
Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin praised the active engagement of the local community and encouraged youth to explore sports and business ventures. Mendipathar MLA Marthon J. Sangma highlighted tourism as a crucial revenue source for district development and acknowledged government initiatives supporting culture and tourism.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Abhishek Saini described the Awe Festival 2025 as “the heartbeat of North Garo Hills.” He highlighted the Flower-cum-Vegetable Show, emphasizing the potential of agro-tourism and horticulture. Dr. Saini also stressed reviving indigenous games to attract more tourists to the region.
Exciting Events and Performances
The opening day featured the Flower-cum-Vegetable Show by the Horticulture Department, an Industrial Exhibition by DCIC Resubelpara, the Miss Awe Beauty Pageant, and the Awe Dance Battle. Local artists also performed live, entertaining the enthusiastic crowd.
The festival will continue with cultural programs, indigenous games, and a grand rock concert featuring bands like Ahowee, North Wind, Nokpante, Jessie Lybgdoh, and Riprap, showcasing the district’s vibrant spirit.
Promoting Tourism, Culture, and Entrepreneurship
Through the Awe Festival 2025, North Garo Hills aims to promote culture-based tourism, support local entrepreneurship, and strengthen the district’s unique identity. By combining traditional arts, local cuisine, and modern entertainment, the festival offers residents and visitors an unforgettable experience.
With its vibrant blend of culture, creativity, and community engagement, Awe Festival 2025 is set to become a landmark event in Meghalaya’s cultural and tourism calendar, attracting tourists from across the state and beyond.
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