Garo Hills' Winter Fest begins on solemn note due to Mandela effect
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Shillong, December 10 2013:
The Ahaia Winter Festival of West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya themed 'Give peace a chance' started on a very solemn note on Monday as a tribute to the great departed anti-apartheid leader and messenger of non-violence and peace, Nelson Mandela, at Tura Chandmary Playground with its citizens taking out an inter-faith peace march on the streets of Tura.
The Ahaia is the annual winter festival of West Garo Hills district during which people from in and around the region enthusiastically take part in.
However, the demise of the great departed anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela and the subsequent declaration of state mourning by the government, this years' Ahaia winter festival started on a very solemn note with an Inter-faith peace march.
Prior to the inter-faith peace march, United Christian Peace Forum (UCPF) member made a solemn prayer remembering the work of the great anti-apartheid leader and advocate of peace Nelson Mandela.
Tura Baptist Church Pastor Rev W R Marak also made a somber prayer for the soul of the departed leader and his family while stressing on peace and harmony to prevail in the region.
Calling on the people to work towards peace South Tura Legislator John Leslee K Sangma stated that the peace procession was an attempt to show the world that the people of the region wanted peace to prevail.
Offering respect and condolences to Nelson Mandela and his family Sangma urged the people to emulate his example and work for goodwill and peace on earth.
Earlier, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi stated that the peace march was an apt way to open the winter festival and remember the noble leader who was also an exponent of peace.
"The message of peace will echo throughout the land and peace will prevail," Bakshi said.
Bakshi also informed that the program for this year's Ahaia winter festival has been rescheduled due to the 'State Mourning' declared by the government.