The fourth edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble, a festival to celebrate the craft, culture and cuisine of the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos, was inaugurated at Ward’s Lake in Shillong on Wednesday. The edition places special focus on reviving traditional boating activities in Darrang and Dawki. The programme opened with the felicitation of dignitaries and a symbolic handing over of oars to boatmen, underscoring renewed efforts to promote indigenous water sports. Gracing the festival as chief guest, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma commended the Department of Arts and Culture for creating a festival that “brings the people of the state back to their roots, highlighting different aspects of the state’sculture, showcasing them to the world, and ensuring that the identity and legacy of the people are celebrated and preserved.”
He emphasised the significance of the Tri Hills Ensemble, noting that this year’s theme, “Rivers, Roots, and Revival,” reflects the rediscovery of lost traditions, including rowing and boating competitions once held in Dawki and other areas. He pointed out that while Meghalaya continues to achieve rapid economic progress—“the second fastest growing economy in the country after Tamil Nadu”—preserving cultural identity must remain central to development. The Chief Minister stressed the need for deeper documentation of tribal histories, languages, rituals, dance forms, and migratory origins. Highlighting cultural gaps, he noted, “In Garo culture alone, there are multiple drum beats and different steps for the Wangala that only drummers can distinguish, but there is no documentation,” urging further research through initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Research Grant. He encouraged schools to stage plays on Meghalaya’s heroes such as Tirot Sing, Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan Sangma to instill a sense of pride and unity among the youth.
Sangma concluded by expressing hope for stronger cultural exchanges and extended his best wishes to all participants and awardees. Cultural performances showcased Meghalaya’s artistic diversity, featuring music by Khasi Cymru, a folk-tale musical by the Ground Breakers of Khatsaw Phra College, and a medley titled Twelve-Tet by the State Institute for Arts and Culture, representing unity across the three tribal hills and twelve districts. The lineup also featured a performance by Bhutanese rock band Baby Floyd, supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
The evening included the Recognition and Award Ceremony honouring individuals and groups under the Meghalaya Culture and Cuisine Awards and the Meghalaya Arts and Heritage Awards, including promoters of the Khasi language, innovators in indigenous cuisine, community library initiatives, folklore specialists, and performers and craftsmen from across the State. Significant releases included a preview of the film, Crafting Technique of the Saitar under the Chief Minister’s Research Grant, research articles on the CMRG portal, online library membership registration, the Rasong National Tribal Festival Report, and the CMRG Report. Book launches included works by Ana Notsu translated into Biate by Anthony Durpui and Ringmunfeli Nampui, along with contributions by Silbi Passah and Khrawbok Shadap.