Experience the Magic: Asia’s Largest Spoken Festival Debuts at Meghalaya’s Serene Wards Lake

Asia’s largest spoken festival premiered for the first time at Wards Lake in Shillong, Meghalaya, offering a vibrant platform for poets, writers, and storytellers to present their work and connect with fellow artists. Backed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, the event also spotlighted emerging local talent.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, along with Tourism Director Cyril VD Diengdoh, graced the festival with their presence. Lyngdoh expressed gratitude to the local community and collaborative groups like Kommune for their support, stating that the event breathes new life into Meghalaya’s experiential tourism and its rich arts and culture scene. He highlighted the state’s strong tradition of oral storytelling, emphasizing the significance of such platforms in nurturing young artists and connecting them with the community.

Cyril Diengdoh noted Shillong as the first city outside Mumbai to host the Spoken Fest, providing local authors and talents the opportunity to engage with leading artists from across the country and promoting Meghalaya’s diverse culture to a wider audience.

The festival commenced with performances by singer-songwriter Clayton Hogermeer, and Shillong-based singer-poets Vancouver Shullai and Marbamonlang Rani, delving into themes of identity and home. Kareema Barry, actress and social influencer, captivated attendees with stories about food, family, and her native city. The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project showcased pop-soul artist Elena Sohktung, celebrating local music talent.

The day also featured performances by poets Anees Ailynti Noronha, Priya Malik, and Tanmay Maheshwari, woven with tales from storytellers Laksh Maheshwari and Madhu Raghvendra. As the day unfolded, hip-hop/R&B artist Meba Ofilia and duo Khasi Bloodz electrified audiences, joined by poets Merenla Imsong, Lalnunsanga Ralte, and storyteller Amol Parashar.

The festival concluded with an engaging dialogue between Bollywood actresses Patralekha and Tillotama Shome, and a finale performance by indie-folk band When Chai Met Toast, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-asias-largest-spoken-festival-debuts-at-shillongs-wards-lake-1133939-2024-12-07?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-12-07 12:48:00