Shillong: Lok Bhavan, Shillong, celebrated the 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with a vibrant cultural programme showcasing the rich heritage of the Northeast. The event was held in the presence of the Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, who took the National Salute as the Meghalaya Police Band played the National Anthem.
The programme featured a series of patriotic and traditional performances organised by the Department of Arts and Culture. It commenced with the rendition of the State Anthem by Elsa Dkhar, Piano Instructor at the State Institute of Arts and Culture, followed by a patriotic medley presented by the same institute.
Traditional dances from across the Northeast highlighted the region’s cultural diversity. Performances included Ka Shad Knia Sngi, Wangala (Harvest Dance) and Ka Chad Rep from Meghalaya; Satriya Dance from Assam; Cheraw (Bamboo Dance) from Mizoram; Lai Haraoba Folk Dance from Manipur; Modse Warrior Victory Dance from Nagaland; Nyishi Rikham Pada from Arunachal Pradesh; Reang Lebang Boomani Folk Dance from Tripura; and Tamang Selo (Damphu Dance) from Sikkim. Adding to the patriotic fervour, the Assam Rifles Jazz Band presented a special musical performance.
The programme also included the felicitation of distinguished award recipients. Dr. Delphine Gare Momin was conferred the Pa Togan Sangma Award, Kmoin Wahlang received the U Kiang Nangbah Award, and Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta was honoured with the U Tirot Sing Award.
Winners of the Flower Show were also felicitated, with Kynton Kharkongor receiving the ‘King of the Show’ title and Donald Khardewsaw being declared the ‘Queen of the Show’.
The celebrations concluded with group photographs of artists and dignitaries, followed by the National Anthem, while the Assam Rifles Jazz Band continued to perform patriotic numbers.
