Music, dance, culture, tea, tourism-- brace up for festivity in Queen of the hills

BY A STAFF REPORTER : Move over Hornbill festival. Darjeeling police in association with Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is ringing in Christmas with music, dance, masti and run.  From tribal dance, to musical bands, tea tasting, and a variety of events will have a mix of culture and dance to attract tourists to the Queen of the hills.

 Speaking exclusively to ANM News over phone from Darjeeling, the district superintendent of police, Praween Prakash mentioned that over 70 bands had applied to participate in the music festival. ``We have chosen only 12 bands and they will play for the top three slots.  The participating bands will be judged by multi talented musicians of Parikrama,'' Prakash said. The Darjeeling MELOtea festival, spread over December 22, 23, will also have 21K and 10 K marathon weaving along the picturesque Darjeeling hills including a 4.5 kilometre walk for change competition. ``The state tourism department and GTA is collaborating along with lot of other sponsors. We wish to make it a grand success. The fetsival will showcase, tea, music and culture, the three things for which Darjeeling is known all over the world,'' he added.