Boko, Jan 2: The village playground of Umshek along Meghalaya-Assam border in West Khasi Hills district reverberated with Wangala dance other Garo cultural performances as hundreds of Garo villagers converged there to witness the annual Songkristan competition on Thursday.
Ten groups from neighbouring villages under Rambrai-Jyrngam constituency took part in eighth edition of the competition organised as part of New Year celebrations by Area A-Chik Cultural Arts and Sports Association.
“Wangala is the historical culture of Garo people and Songkritan is the religious culture of the Christian Garo people,” said the local MLA Remington G Momin while addressing the programme.
Ranikhat, Maspara and Dogaon were adjudged the first three winners of the competition. They were awarded ₹30,000, ₹20,000 and ₹10,000.
The other groups that participated in the competition include Malapara, Khasi Salbari, Malsapara, Athiabari, Umshek, Madankillor, and Rongdhali. Malapara was the winner last year.
Emphasising promotion of Songkristan programme, the MLA said, “Songkristan has united the Garo people and ensured peace and prosperity among the community.”
He also urged both Assam and Meghalaya governments to help the Garo people organise Songkristan programmes.
KHADC election candidate for Malangkona-Sildubi constituency Lurshai Kharbani, A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) Aradonga unit president Spren G Momin and general secretary Jenggrim A Marak, Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) Aradonga unit president Trellingstar Shira, and leaders of GSU Kamrup District also attended the programme.
