On the occasion, Dr. Vijay Kumar D presented awards of Rs 10,00,000 each to the top five contestants, hailing the program as a remarkable achievement of international standards for the region.
Meghalaya recently showcased the inaugural screening of the culinary reality TV series, ‘Hills on a Plate – Meghalaya,’ at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture (LICPAC), New Shillong, in a vibrant celebration of food, music, and culture. The event, marked by the enchanting musical performance of the international sensation Calum Scott, mesmerized attendees with its fusion of culinary excellence and artistic brilliance.
Unveiling Episode 1 of the 7-part series, the screening offered a sensory feast and an immersive exploration of Meghalaya’s diverse cuisines and cultural tapestry. Distinguished guests included Commissioner & Secretary, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, and Secretary of Planning, Shri Cyril Darlong Diengdoh, alongside artists, show judges, contestants, and other luminaries.
On the occasion, Dr. Vijay Kumar D presented awards of Rs 10,00,000 each to the top five contestants, hailing the program as a remarkable achievement of international standards for the region. He commended the Rockski group for spearheading the project and praised the contestants for becoming ambassadors of Meghalaya, emphasizing their crucial role in representing the state. Dr. Vijay extended gratitude to the farmers, artists, and culinary experts, recognizing their contributions to the show.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the show serves as a tribute to the region’s people and their contributions, particularly the farmers who cultivate the ingredients featured in the culinary creations. Dr. Vijay extended gratitude to the farmers, artists, and culinary experts, stating that the show serves as an ode to their efforts. Additionally, he announced the commencement of a food festival, commencing the following day, as an extension of the show’s celebration of food and culture.
In a significant development, ‘Hills on a Plate – Meghalaya’ secured a deal for its launch on Jio Cinema, following a successful agreement after the redirection from Disney+ Hotstar due to the platform’s acquisition by Jio Cinema. This collaboration promises to showcase Meghalaya’s culinary delights and cultural richness to a wider audience through the platform’s OTT service.
The show’s allure is further elevated by esteemed judges Sarah Todd of MasterChef Australia, Ardahun Passah, and William Diengdoh, who lend their expertise to the competition’s proceedings. Hosted by Gordon Thabah and Abigail Pamei, the series highlights the culinary talents of contestants Artet Kharsati, Ivan Suting, Daei Suchiang, Nambie Marak, Tanisha Phanbuh, Uttam Thangkhiew, and Adonijah Lyngdoh, promising captivating entertainment for global audiences.
The event, hosted at a packed arena with a seating capacity of approximately 1400, provided a picturesque backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Against this backdrop, Calum Scott’s enchanting performance added an unforgettable dimension to the celebration, marking a significant milestone for Shillong, which is fondly referred to as the ‘Rock Capital of India,’ due to its admiration for rock music. The electrifying performance and the audience’s zestful response further reaffirmed Shillong’s status as a preferred destination for artists and cultural enthusiasts.
The inauguration of the Hills on a Plate Festival, paying tribute to Meghalaya’s vibrant culinary legacy and diverse cultural tapestry, resonated with resounding success and enthusiastic participation. Gathering culinary aficionados, cultural devotees, and community members, the event offered a day filled with inspiring speeches, captivating performances, and an enticing selection of gastronomic pleasures.
As ‘Hills on a Plate – Meghalaya’ continues to enthrall audiences, Meghalaya extends an invitation to travelers and visitors from around the world to experience the enchanting magic of its culinary landscape and vibrant cultural heritage.