Mangsang: The two-day Rice Festival, organized by the GSU Mangsang Unit in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Meghalaya, successfully concluded at the Mangsang Mini Stadium under Rongjeng C&RD Block in East Garo Hills. The festival, which began on December 20, aimed to promote the unique Mangsang variety of local rice, known for its aromatic fragrance and popularity across the region and beyond.
Thousands of visitors from nearby areas flocked to the venue over the two days, which culminated in a rock concert featuring performances by artists such as Riprap, Nogo, Ahowee, and Hero Master, captivating the audience late into the evening.
Supported by the district administration, including the Deputy Commissioner, Block Development Officer, and the Tourism Department, as well as Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the festival was themed ‘Rice for Food and Income’.
“Mangsang rice is unique in many ways and has already gained fame both locally and nationally. Its aromatic fragrance has captured taste buds all over, and this is a tradition that needs to be continued for generations to come. That was our motive to hold the program,” said GSU Unit President Bamba Sangma.
The festival featured a variety of activities over the two days. The opening day included a local cooking competition, a buyer-seller meet, a folk song competition, and rock performances by Hero Master and Noga. The second day showcased traditional games such as Wa.pong Sika, Jakpong Pe.a, Anding O.ka, Makre Wa.jol Mala, and a tug-of-war, promoting local heritage and culture.
“We discussed this during a meeting with the administration earlier in November, following which the festival came to fruition. There is a sincere need to promote the Mangsang variety of rice on a wider scale as it can do wonders for the local economy. That was the idea behind holding the festival,” said GSU General Secretary Wintru Arengh.
This year’s edition marked the festival’s second successful outing, with the first held in 2018 before COVID-19 disruptions paused the event. The organizers, GSU, have promised an even bigger festival next year, building on this year’s success.
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