Meghalaya, one of India's most charming northeastern states, known for its spellbinding sceneries and natural wonders, is truly a haven for peace seekers & nature lovers. But for ages, its culture, heritage, festivals and traditional culinary values have remained out of sight from ordinary tourists. And as a culture connoisseur who loves to explore different cultures, I've always been curious about the famous Meghalaya festivals, what kind of dresses they wear while performing traditional dance, what they eat, and what not. Because you see, Meghalaya is not just confined to spectacular sceneries and lightning thunderbolts, its way beyond that, and it has a lot to offer to every type of traveller. So, here are the top 7 Meghalaya festivals you must observe for once in a lifetime experience.
1. Nongkrem Festival
The Nongkrem Festival is one of the most significant Meghalaya festivals among the Khasis, takes place yearly at Smit, a town 15 kilometres from Shillong. It serves as the Hima Khyriem's main seat (Chief of Khyriem). The Syiem, the ruler of the Khasi realm, and ka Syiem Sad carry out the ceremonies (head priestess). They are held in high regard as the guardians of the rituals and the populace. The event honours a successful harvest as well as world peace and prosperity. The festival is celebrated by young women doing the Shad Kynthei and the men circling them performing the Shad Mystieh as a sign of male authority and protection over the women, drawing visitors from all over the nation and the world.
2. Shad Sukra
Every year in April or May, the Jaintia people celebrate the Shad Sukra. It serves as a celebration of the beginning of the sowing season. Each and every Jaintia farmer looks forward to this celebration before he can start planting seeds. Drums and a flute accompany ritual dances as people pray for a great and productive season. Both men and women participate in the events dressed in their traditional finest and elaborately ornamented with gold. This opulence of culture is on display in Jowai Town, West Jaintia Hills. The town is located 64 kilometres from Shillong, the state's capital.
3. Shad Suk Mynsiem
April is Shad Suk Mynsiem celebration month. Individual, familial clans or the Khasi state are responsible for conducting the rites or ceremonies (Hima). The matrilineal and patrilineal structures of Khasi society are represented by the dance. Unmarried girls perform the dance while a man surrounds them while brandishing his sword. They are dressed to the nines. The dance means how a guy defends a woman's honour. The dance is performed at many locations, including the Wiking Grounds outside Shillong, the state's capital. It is one of the most enchanting Meghalaya festivals that no traveller should ever miss!
4. Behdeinkhlam Festival
The Behdeinkhlam Festival is one of the most intriguing Meghalaya festivals and holds immense popularity in the lives of Jaintia tribes. The followers of the Niamtre faith commemorate it. It is observed in July, just before the sowing season. Behdeinkhlam's literal meaning is "Chasing away the Plague." The priest performs rituals and sacrifices while the sound of flutes and drums is played. Tall minarets are carried to the sacred site before dipping into a river. While the women enjoy the celebrations, all dressed in their finest traditional garb and highly adorned in gold. While the men, both young and old, dance to the sounds of the drums and flutes. The festival is held annually in Jowai Town and adjacent Jaintia Hills villages.
5. Wangala Festival
One of the most significant Meghalaya festivals for the Garo people is the Wangala festival. It is a post-harvest festival to commemorate the farming season's end. It is an occasion to give thanks to Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa, a fertility deity. The festival is now often referred to as The Hundred Drums festival. He guides the boys and girls to synchronised dancing moves with hand and head gestures while the leading warrior's yells accompany them. The celebration is held in several crowded locations throughout the Garo Hills between September and December. 'Songsarek' (animistic) settlements like Sadolpara in the West Garo Hills are where one may find the Garo people who still practise their ancient religion and observe them celebrating in a truly traditional manner.
6. Strawberry Festival
The state's climate is perfect for cultivating delicious strawberries. The Strawberry Festival is held annually in Meghalaya to encourage regional farmers and fruit harvest. Every February on Valentine's Day, large numbers congregate in the Ri-Bhoi region's Umsning and Sohliya hamlet to enjoy the luscious and sweet strawberries. The festival benefits local farmers and the community's economy and is a wonderful event to enjoy with friends and family. Strawberry lovers should mark this Meghalaya festival on their calendars for a delectable experience in the cloud kingdom.
7. Autumn Festival, Shillong
In Meghalaya, the Autumn Festival is a celebrated holiday. One of the festivals that signals the start of a season is this one. The Meghalayan capital of Shillong is where it is primarily observed. This cultural spectacle showcases the diverse culture of the country. The festival is a fantastic venue for showcasing the local culture and transforms into an amusement hub for visitors.
The stunning state of Meghalaya offers a lot to see and do. Which of these Meghalaya festivals are you most interested in attending? Tell us in the comments section below!
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