Korean choir mesmerizes people at Dimchrang festival
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Shillong, December 10 2016:
A choir from Korea held the Chief Minister, Dr.Mukul Sangma and all in attendance mesmerized with their renditions of gospel songs and Christmas carols during their performance at the Dimchrang festival at Ampati on Saturday.
The Gracias Choir group from South Korea part of International Youth Fellowship sang songs of thankfulness, which mesmerized and engaged the crowd.
The festival is part of the state government's attempt to promote Garo Hills as a tourist destination, banking on the unique way that Christmas and New Year is celebrated throughout Garo Hills every year.
Meanwhile, the choir from Korea sent out a strong message of cultural unity and relationship between India and Korea.
The group repeatedly reaffirmed their admiration and love for India and Ampati as the expressed their appreciation for the vibrant culture of Garo hills and its people, which were on display at the Dimchrang festival.
Performing their rendition of the popular Bollywood song which says, 'Yeh dosti hum nahin chorenge' the Korean choir sought to express their love for the people of the region and also the growing bond that they are building with them.
Dr Sangma, his brother who is also the sports and youth affairs minister Zenith Sangma and a host of other dignitaries witnessed the special performance.
Addressing the gathering, D.Sangma acknowledged the performance of the Korean group and thanked them for coming to one of India's remotest corner to spread the message of Christmas.
"This kind of event gives us an opportunity for a brand building exercise.
Our partnership with the choir group from Korea will further boost our image.
It will also encourage and motivate our youth", he said.
He also stated that by organizing festivals, Meghalaya is making its pitch to market the state as a destination for visitors throughout the year.
"Visitors from across the globe are looking for holiday destinations during winter.
Meghalaya and Garo hills, which gets into festive mood will surely attract visitors, so it becomes the responsibility of the government to host festivals", he added.
He also felicitated the team from Korea and stated that Meghalaya was willing to host them again soon.
It may be noted here that the Gracious Choir has won several awards including Montreux Choral Festival 2014, Jeju International Choir Festival in 2009, Busan Choral Festival & Competition in 2010, Concorso Corale Internazionale Riva del Garda, 2014, Italy amongst others.