12 Festival in Meghalaya

Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals. Here are some popular festivals celebrated in Meghalaya:

Meghalaya, known as the “Abode of Clouds”, is a state in Northeast India that celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in Meghalaya:

Sure, here are some more detailed descriptions of each of the festivals mentioned earlier:

1. Wangala Festival:

The Wangala festival is one of the most important festivals of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya. It is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of November, which marks the end of the agricultural season. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Misi Saljong and is celebrated with great pomp and show. The main attraction of the festival is the Wangala dance, which is performed by young men and women, accompanied by the beating of 100 drums. The festival is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Garo tribe and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the unique traditions of Meghalaya.

2. Nongkrem Dance:

The Nongkrem Dance is a five-day festival celebrated by the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya. The festival is held in November and is marked by the offering of sacrifices to the goddess Ka Blei Synshar. The highlight of the festival is the Nongkrem dance, which is performed by young unmarried women dressed in traditional attire. The dance is believed to invoke blessings from the goddess for a bountiful harvest. The festival is an important cultural event in Meghalaya and attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in experiencing the unique traditions of the Khasi tribe.

3. Behdienkhlam:

The Behdienkhlam festival is celebrated by the Pnar tribe in Meghalaya. The festival is held in July and is marked by a procession of men carrying sacred wooden poles called ‘Khliangs’. The festival is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the community. The main attraction of the festival is the traditional dance performed by the men carrying the Khliangs. The festival is a colorful and vibrant event that showcases the unique cultural heritage of the Pnar tribe in Meghalaya.

4. Shad Suk Mynsiem:

The Shad Suk Mynsiem festival is celebrated by the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya in April. The festival is a celebration of the harvest season and is dedicated to nature. The main attraction of the festival is the Shad Suk Mynsiem dance, which is performed by young Khasi women wearing traditional attire and holding parasols. The dance is believed to invoke the blessings of the gods for a bountiful harvest. The festival is a colorful and vibrant event that showcases the unique cultural heritage of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya.

5. Christmas:

Christmas is a major festival celebrated in Meghalaya in December. The festival is marked by the decoration of Christmas trees, singing of carols, and attending midnight mass at churches. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by people of all religions and communities. The unique cultural heritage of Meghalaya is reflected in the way Christmas is celebrated in the state, with local traditions and customs adding to the festive spirit.

6. Durga Puja:

Durga Puja is a major festival celebrated in Meghalaya, especially in the Bengali community. The festival is held in October and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The festival is marked by the decoration of pandals (temporary structures) and the offering of prayers and sacrifices. The festival is a colorful and vibrant event that showcases the unique cultural heritage of the Bengali community in Meghalaya.

7. Autumn Festival:

The Autumn Festival is an annual festival held in Shillong in October. The festival is organized by the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation and is a celebration of the state’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is marked by various events and activities, including cultural performances, food stalls, and adventure sports. The festival attracts tourists from all over the world who are interested in experiencing the unique traditions and customs of Meghalaya.

8. Tura Summer Festival:

The Tura Summer Festival is an annual festival held in Tura in April. The festival is a celebration of the Garo tribe’s rich cultural heritage and is marked by various events and activities, including traditional dance performances, food stalls, and sports competitions. The festival provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique traditions and customs of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya.

9. Shillong Winter Festival:

The Shillong Winter Festival is an annual festival held in Shillong in December. The festival is organized by the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation and is a celebration of the state’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is marked by various events and activities, including cultural performances, food stalls, and adventure sports. The festival provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique traditions and customs of Meghalaya.

10. Chad Sukra:

Chad Sukra is a festival celebrated by the Pnar tribe in Meghalaya in December. The festival is a celebration of the harvest season and is marked by various rituals and customs, including the offering of sacrifices and the worship of ancestors. The main attraction of the festival is the Chad Sukra dance, which is performed by young Pnar men and women dressed in traditional attire. The dance is believed to invoke the blessings of the gods for a bountiful harvest.

11. Laho Dance Festival:

The Laho Dance Festival is an annual festival celebrated by the Jaintia tribe in Meghalaya in February. The festival is a celebration of the Jaintia tribe’s rich cultural heritage and is marked by various dance performances and traditional rituals. The festival provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique customs and traditions of the Jaintia tribe in Meghalaya.

12. Wangala Drum Festival:

The Wangala Drum Festival is an annual festival celebrated by the Garo tribe in Meghalaya in January. The festival is a celebration of the Garo tribe’s rich cultural heritage and is marked by various traditional rituals and customs. The main attraction of the festival is the Wangala drumming, which is performed by a group of 20 to 30 musicians playing different types of drums. The festival provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique customs and traditions of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya.

13. Strawberry Festival:

The Strawberry Festival is an annual festival celebrated in the town of Sohra (Cherrapunji) in Meghalaya in February. The festival is a celebration of the harvest season of strawberries in the region, which is known for its high-quality strawberries. The festival is marked by various events and activities, including strawberry picking, traditional dance performances, food stalls, and adventure sports. The festival provides an opportunity for visitors to taste and buy the fresh strawberries from the local farmers.

The festival is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in experiencing the unique flavor of the locally grown strawberries. The festival also provides a platform for local farmers to showcase their produce and promote eco-tourism in the region. The Strawberry Festival is a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of Meghalaya and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the state’s unique customs and traditions.