Long dist cycle race, music shows to mark I Day in Meghalaya

In a first in Meghalaya, amateur cyclists from all over the country are coming together vying for a top spot in a gruelling 45 km long distance cycling race on August 15.
Organised by Cycling Shillong, an official group formed by cycling enthusiasts, the race would be from Iewrynghep ground in Firebrigade to the highest road in the state and to Smit via Upper Shillong and Laitlyngkot.
"We are organising this event to bring about a general awareness on cycling and its advantages personally to the riders and in general to the environment as they contribute zero carbon while commuting," Cycling Shillong secretary B Mawlong said.

The schedule of the event doubled up as a celebration for the Independence Day in the state initiated entirely by the organisation, even as various activities have been lined up for the day by institutions and the government, he said.
Meghalaya and several North East states have not been able to celebrate Independence Day with much fanfare for several decades due to various insurgent groups calling bandhs.
Things have changed since a Meghalaya High Court order a year ago banning the media from publishing announcements of bandhs by any unlawful organisation.

The state government would be celebrating Independence Day with a lot of fanfare, music, sports, arts and colours.

The day will be completed with a free entry at the Lady Hydary Park and Wards Lake and cinema halls too would screen films for free.
Also there would an open air show of DJs mesmerising the crowd with their numbers, fishing competition and a marathon.