Shillong, Dec 6: Vibrant performances, busy marketplaces, and the delicious aroma of traditional cooking permeate the scenic Bolbokgre–Watreigre area near Tura during the Me’gong Festival.
At the heart of this celebration was the ‘Great Garo Hills Cook Off’, capturing the essence of Meghalaya’s rich culinary heritage while fostering community engagement.
With 11 passionate home chefs competing, the culinary arena became a showcase of dishes steeped in tradition, yet reimagined for a contemporary palate.
Nambie Jessica Marak, runner-up of MasterChef India Season 8, joined as a special guest to help finalise the winners. Her presence elevated the platform for local talent, bridging community culinary traditions with national food narratives.
Marak expressed her admiration for the contestants’ creativity, noting how they combined indigenous dishes with modern techniques while using rarely found ingredients sourced from Meghalaya’s rich, fertile soil. “These ingredients are symbols of our lost heritage,” she remarked, “and festivals like Me’gong bring them back into the spotlight.”
Among these passionate newcomers are Tatiline A. Sangma and Seema R. Sangma, who each brought their unique dishes infused with emotional significance and a strong connection to their roots.
Tatiline prepared Chicken Kappa, a deeply loved Garo delicacy, along with We’tepa, a traditional fish cooked over fire in banana leaf. For her, the cook off was more than a contest; it was an opportunity to honour the flavours she grew up with.
Seema turned her debut into a moment of triumph. Crafting her dishes using local shrimps, fish, and donggam leaves, she celebrated her roots through every ingredient. She described the experience as “a moment of pride, for my village, my family, and the flavours we’ve preserved for generations.”
The festival grounds were buzzing with activity. Stalls set up by local entrepreneurs offered a journey through Garo Hills’ gastronomy, featuring everything from local drinks and snacks to ice cream.
The Me’gong Festival continues to celebrate music, art, and culture with traditional sports like Anding Oka, VR experiences, the lively Brew Village, and local performances.
