Baghmara, Jan 28: The largest festival on the banks of the mighty Simsang river- Tyisam Festival, kicked off in Baghmara, South Garo Hills, with a colourful display of traditional music and dance today.

Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira, inaugurated the two day festival at Baghmara’s sprawling Golden Beach before a large crowd of spectators who patiently waited for the stalls selling a variety of items to open for business on Wednesday morning.
Baghmara MLA Kartush R Marak and host of other dignitaries also attended the inaugural programme.
Mesmerised by the beauty of the Simsang beach, which stretches from Baghmara market all the way towards the Siku road, Timothy D Shira remarked that it reminded him of the famous Marina Beach at Chennai, pointing out that the sand area of Baghmara was far greater than that of Marina.

Domestic Tourism to be game changer
Timothy D Shira has urged the local population to play a more proactive role in attracting visitors with domestic tourism, encouraging them to take advantage of the Simsang beach to boost tourism in their region.
He said that the State Tourism Department has been pushing for development of tourism across the state and advised the people of South Garo Hills to take advantage of the available resources into making The region a highly sought after tourist friendly destination.

The Inaugural event featured flower show, vegetable show, singing and Dancing Competition, Indigenous games, Beach Sports and a highly electrifying musical evening featuring some of the famous rock bands of Garo Hills- particularly Rough Roads, North Wind and other local groups. Legendary Garo rock band Riprap is due to perform on Thursday evening.



