The inaugural two-day Mi-kari Festival 2026, organized by the South West Garo Hills district administration, was launched with great enthusiasm and vibrant community participation, reflecting the spirit of unity and collaboration at the Ampati student field.
The South West Garo Hills district administration organized this festival to promote indigenous culture, traditional games, local talent, and community participation, while providing a platform for artists, entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders. The festival features a wide range of engaging events, including a flower show showcasing the creativity and dedication of local growers, traditional games celebrating cultural heritage, and a Healthy Baby Show promoting child health and well-being.
The "Master Chef Ampati" competition highlights local cuisine and culinary skills, while cultural performances by groups like the Tura Dance Academy provide a platform for young talent. Evening musical concerts by local and regional bands are adding vibrancy, joy, and togetherness to the celebrations.
The Mi-kari Festival aims to nurture local talent, promote cultural pride, and encourage healthy competition. It also seeks to create opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs while strengthening community ties. Envisioned as a symbol of unity and positivity, the festival provides a platform for families to come together, celebrate traditions, and inspire the younger generation to dream bigger.
The festival was inaugurated by distinguished guests, Shri Subir Marak, Hon'ble MLA, 52-Rangsakona, Shri Sanjay A. Sangma, Hon’ble MLA, 54-Mahendraganj, and Shri Ian Botham K. Sangma, Hon’ble MLA, 55-Salmanpara.
Shri Ian Botham K. Sangma, MLA, Salmanpara, in his address, thanked Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, for his continued support in making the festival a reality. He stated that Mi-Kari provides an important platform to showcase the diverse cultural heritage of the district.
Urging the people to utilize the platform effectively, he encouraged citizens to harness the abundant natural resources of the region and work towards achieving self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.
Expressing his happiness at being part of the occasion, Shri Subir M. Marak, MLA, Rangsakona, said that the festival was envisioned as a platform for youth to display their talents and foster camaraderie through active participation. He also thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister for his support in enabling the festival and highlighted various developmental schemes being undertaken by the Government in the region for the welfare of the people.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay A. Sangma, MLA, Mahendraganj, lauded the efforts of the district administration for organizing the first-ever Mi-Kari Festival in the district. He noted that the district had not witnessed such a festival in the past four years. He further stated that he, along with Shri Subir M. Marak, MLA, Rangsakona, and Shri Ian Botham K. Sangma, MLA, Salmanpara, were collectively instrumental in conceptualizing the festival with the support of the Hon’ble Chief Minister.