The third edition of the Darjeeling Melo-Tea Festival started with a grand opening featuring culture, tradition, music and food, organized by the Darjeeling Police in support of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and local groups. The festival will run until December 14 and will culminate with the 12th Darjeeling Hill Marathon. Anit Thapa (from GTA) handed over the key of an electric vehicle to the Mahakal Welfare Society to assist devotees who cannot walk up to Mahakal Temple; the service will be free for local people. During the CM’s last visit to Darjeeling, she stated she would provide an electrical device for such devotees and also announced plans to build a Mahakal Temple in Siliguri. GTA Chief Anit Thapa said the festival celebrates the soul of Darjeeling, blending world-famous tea with music, art and culture. As in previous years, the festival features competitions like D-Rock with Western and Nepali rock categories, with nine bands selected from places including Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Howrah, Sikkim, Kalimpong and Darjeeling, and a total prize pool of Rs 28 lakhs for these events. Other attractions include local art, craft, cuisine, fashion shows, cultural programs and the D-MTB race from Takdah (prize money Rs 2 lakhs). The festival also reintroduced the forgotten Tenzing Norgey hike route at Rangaroon and promotes bird watching with information and contact persons for tourists. D-Create showcases feature reel creators who can win cash and meet Purna Rai, with top creators earning a spot in the Darjeeling Police Influencer Squad. Performances by bands like Chakra and Mantra, along with Purna Rai & Daju Bhai and Warmamala Pariwar, added to the festival’s vibrancy at Chowrasta. The D-Run takes place on the last day, offering 10 km and 21 km options with a total prize pool of around Rs 9.8 lakh. The festival continues to highlight local culture, art, craft and cuisine through stalls around Chowrasta, as well as tourism-focused events and activities for visitors.