The Darjeeling hills are set to host the second edition of the Melo-Tea Festival, a cultural and musical extravaganza, from December 18 to 22. Organized by the Darjeeling police and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the festival aims to boost tourism and foster community engagement in the picturesque region.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the event, which will feature an eclectic lineup of performances, including Swedish rock legend Kee Marcello, famed for his time with the band Europe and their iconic hit, The Final Countdown. Local bands like Darjeeling’s Mantra, along with groups from Nepal, Nagaland, and Sikkim, will also perform.
The festival includes competitions for English and Nepali bands, with prizes totaling ₹24.5 lakh. Beyond music, it will showcase Darjeeling’s cultural richness with stalls offering tea-tasting experiences, indigenous food, and crafts. The event will also feature an orange and orchid festival, movie screenings, and the Darjeeling Hill Marathon, adding variety to the celebration.
The Melo-Tea Festival, whose name merges “melody” and “tea,” reflects Darjeeling’s musical heritage and global renown as a tea hub. By including activities like day hikes and village tours, the GTA seeks to immerse visitors in the local culture and traditions.
The festival’s community development focus aligns with its theme of combating drug abuse, encouraging youth to channel their energy into creative pursuits.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
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