Winter Tales Festival inaugurated in Shillong
Shillong | December 15, 2023
The much-anticipated annual winter extravaganza, Winter Tales, inaugurated its fourth edition today at the picturesque Ward’s Lake. Over three days, starting this Thursday, the festival is set to immerse attendees in a vibrant mix of music, intellectual discussions, indigenous cuisines, wines, and a showcase of exquisite handicrafts. The honor of inaugurating this event falls to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
Under the resonating theme of ‘vocal for local,’ this year’s festival aims to spotlight local chefs and musicians, promising an authentic and immersive experience for all visitors. Beyond entertainment, Winter Tales is geared to offer insightful workshops, live demonstrations, and engaging panel discussions, inviting guests to explore the intricate nuances of Meghalaya’s culture and heritage.
Emphasizing its commitment to environmental consciousness, the festival is pledged to be a celebration of nature’s purity by extensively using bamboo and jute while minimizing the use of non-biodegradable materials. Participants and stall owners are mandated to uphold a responsibility to upcycle plastic waste, fostering a sustainable environment within the festival grounds.
AIM against gambling in melas
The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.
Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.
Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.