Shillong, Nov 2: The Shillong Autumn Festival began on Saturday evening at the Water Sports Complex, Orchid Lake Resort, Umïam on a blissful note with performances from various bands.

The two-day festival which will conclude on Sunday is being organized by the ‘Opus Production’.

The opening of the fun filled festival was marked by traditional dances performed by cultural troupes from the three tribes of Meghalaya – Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo.

Later, musical bands joined the stage to enthrall the audience which started with fabulous show from Larger Than 90, a punk rock band from Jowai, followed by Light After Dark, a band formed by a group of visually impaired musicians.

Both Larger Than 90, and Light After Dark, thrilled the participants with their numbers.

The band Larger Than 90 is only 11-month old, and had won the ‘Rhythm of Meghalaya’ a beat contest organized by ‘Opus Production’ for musical bands last week in the run up to the autumn festival.

Tourists both domestic and foreign, and locals alike, thronged the Umïam Lake as the festival moved on till late night, while many parents brought their kids along.

The festival offers visitors a wide array of entertaining events with cultural programmes, fashion show and musical concerts on the scene.

The event also features Mumbai-based rock band, Indus Creed and an international DJ from the US, besides renowned local bands like Snow White and Summersalt.

The other highlights of the family-oriented event include water sports, kids’ play area, magic show, foodstalls, merchandise, Gen-X stage and camping facilities at the picturesque lake.