Meghalaya is a northeastern state in India. It comes from a Sanskrit word that means ‘’Abode of Clouds”. Meghalaya was once a part of Assam and was later carved out from two districts from the state of Assam in the year 1972.
In 1972 the districts of Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya is not only a land of beautiful landscapes, mesmerizing thunder clouds, gigantic waterfalls, and lush green forests but also famous for its colossal cultures, traditions, and festivals.
Festivals in Meghalaya are celebrated with great solemnity and hold an important value of passing the cultural values to the younger generation of the communities. Festivals and practices of Meghalaya hold some values that are quite rare and unique which makes it a state with a rich culture.
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Some important festivals of Meghalaya:
- Behdeinkhlam Festival: Behdeinkhlam is celebrated among the Jaintia clan of the Niamtre religion before the sowing season and people come together and pray for generous produce. It is celebrated for 4 days in July. It is believed that the evil power is warded off successfully by celebrating this festival. Different rituals are performed along with sacrifices within the community during the celebration. Men of the Jaintia clan play a game similar to soccer with a wooden ball which is called Daltawor. It is believed that whosoever wins the game will have very good production. The festival brings colourful vibes all around.
- Wangala Festival: Wangala festival is also known as the “Hundred Drum Festival” as women, men, and children all come tighter and dance gracefully on the beats of Nagara. It is celebrated by the Garo people to mark the end of the agricultural year and to thank the God of fertility, Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. It is celebrated for two days during the month of September to December. Men wear Dhoti, half coats, and turbans and women dress up in silk blouses, sarees, and hats with a feather on top of it.
- Nongkrem Festival: Nongkrem Festival is celebrated among the Khasis. It is celebrated every year in Smit. This is a thanksgiving festival that is celebrated in the month of October or November for about 05 days. Ka Syiem Sad is considered the caretaker of the ceremonies and people since they are the head of the Khasi state. This is celebrated for the prosperity of the people, good harvest, and peace. The male from the community circles around the young women and performs the Shad Kynthei which represents the protection and male power over women.
- Shad Suk Mynsiem Festival: The Shad Suk Mynsiem is one of the most important festivals of the Khansi Clan of Meghalaya. It is also celebrated among the people of Jaintia and Garo Clans. It is celebrated every year in April. This is a three-day festival and is also known as “Shad Pur’’. This is an extraordinary festival of moves and invites all the Khasis to the dance celebration. This festival symbolizes a fertility cult representing men the cultivator who cultivates and women the bearer of the seed.
- The Cherry Blossom Festival: The cherry blossom flowers in the month of October and November marks the beginning of India’s version of autumn by turning the entire city pink. People enjoy the art of the region along with various outdoor activities.
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