The vibrant sounds of brass and pipe bands filled the air in Ranchi as the city hosted the grand finale of the East Zonal Band Competition. This significant cultural and artistic event, orchestrated by the School Education and Literacy Department and executed by the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC), took place at the Mega Sports Complex on Monday.
A Symphony of Eastern States
The competition served as a powerful platform for unity, bringing together young talent from across eastern India. A total of 15 Pipe and Brass Band teams, divided into boys' and girls' categories, represented six states: Jharkhand, Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, Odisha, and Sikkim. The event was formally inaugurated by JEPC Director Shashi Ranjan, CEO of JSLPS Naveen Jha, and State Programme Officer Dhirsen A. Soreng through the traditional lighting of the lamp and a symbolic balloon release.
Reflecting on the event's spirit, JEPC Director Shashi Ranjan highlighted its unifying power. He remarked that despite the rich diversity in languages and cultures among the participating states, the competition showcased an exceptional harmony in rhythm and coordination. He emphasized that art, culture, and music possess the unique ability to transcend all geographical and linguistic boundaries.
Jharkhand Emerges as the Overall Champion
The results underscored a stellar performance by host state Jharkhand, which demonstrated remarkable prowess across categories. The state secured the first place in both the Pipe Band Boys and Pipe Band Girls divisions. Sikkim consistently claimed the second spot in these categories, with Mizoram taking third.
The Brass Band categories saw more distributed success. In the Brass Band Girls section, Tripura clinched the top position, followed by Jharkhand in second and Assam in third. However, Jharkhand bounced back in the Brass Band Boys category, securing first place, with Tripura finishing second and Odisha taking third.
Detailed School-Level Results
The winning schools that brought glory to their states are as follows:
Pipe Band Boys:
1. Kairali School (Jharkhand)
2. PM Shri Sir Tashi Namgyal Sr Sec School (Sikkim)
3. Govt Saitval High School (Mizoram)
Pipe Band Girls:
1. PM Shri K.G.B.V, Kanke (Jharkhand)
2. Tashi Namgyal Academy, Gangtok (Sikkim)
3. Govt Saitval High School (Mizoram)
Brass Band Girls:
1. Holycross H/S Karbook, Komati (Tripura)
2. DCM SOE, Khunti (Jharkhand)
3. Shrist King Higher Secondary School (Assam)
Brass Band Boys:
1. St. Xaviers H/S Lupungutu, Chaibasa (Jharkhand)
2. Notre Dame Holy Cross High School (Tripura)
3. George H/S Bargarh (Odisha)
Prizes and Path to the National Stage
In recognition of their outstanding performances, winning teams were awarded cash prizes. Each category's winners received ₹10,000 for first place, ₹7,000 for second, and ₹3,000 for third. The most significant reward, beyond the prize money, is the opportunity to compete at a higher level. The first-place winners from all four categories have now earned the right to represent the eastern zone at the upcoming National-level Band Competition, marking a major achievement in their artistic journeys.
This event not only celebrated musical excellence but also reinforced the role of such competitions in fostering national integration and providing a constructive platform for youth development. The success in Ranchi sets the stage for an exciting national showdown.
