Take a trip to Meghalaya and discover the beautiful natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and its other mystical destinations.
The cultural fabric of Meghalaya is made up of many vibrant and colourful threads. The biggest traditional festivals in the state offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the different indigenous people. Learn about the message that each festival conveys and enjoy the customs and stunning visuals of the locals.
Festivals of Meghalaya are a series of colourful events that create an incredible impact on the state's tourism industry. From religious significance to the cultural celebration, these festivals offer a kaleidoscope of experiences, all set within the scenic beauty of this North-eastern state.
With a geographical area of 22,429 sq km, Meghalaya is home to many tribes and cultures. Each tribe has its own language and dress sense, giving this state a very diverse cultural landscape. Festivals here thus offer a great way to discover different traditions and belief systems while having fun at the same time.
Festivals that are a must-see include the Cherrapunjee Living Root Bridge Festival, which showcases a wonderful example of creative architecture and is a huge draw for tourists. Another incredible festival to experience at least once in your lifetime is the Bijoy Govinda Temple Festival, which is held in the Garo Hills. During this festival, a replica of Krishna's butterball is paraded throughout the streets and worshipped as a deity. This event is also known as the 'fertility cult' and rituals like tree planting and dancing take place alongside singing and drumbeats.
Festivals here are a series of colourful events that create an incredible impact on the state's tourism industry. From religious significance to the cultural celebration, these festivals offer a kaleidoscope of experiences, all set within the scenic beauty of this North-eastern state.
Meghalaya is the home to many tribes and cultures. Each tribe has its own language and dress sense, giving this state a very diverse cultural landscape. Festivals here thus offer a great way to discover different traditions and belief systems while having fun at the same time.
Pick an activity that best fits your itinerary and budget, and enjoy the ‘Abode of Clouds' for an overnight stay on a campsite by a river or just a day's visit to absorb the state's cultural activities.
We hope that your visit to Meghalaya will open your senses. From attractions to activities with a buzz, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Meghalaya. Whatever sort of visitor you are, we're sure you'll enjoy the possibilities to explore this beautiful North-eastern region.
Meghalaya festivals offer a unique experience to travellers. Getting there is half the fun as these festivals give tourists an opportunity to explore different cultures and traditions that this fascinating state has on offer. Don't take our word for it- bring out your inner explorer and get exploring!
Fish Festivals
February/March is the traditional fishing month among different tribes like Khasis and Jaintia. People of the Jaintia Hills celebrate their new year by hosting a special festival called 'Nongkrem'. The festivities include traditional dances, singing and feasts of local cuisine.
End-Year Feast (Pnars) Festival
The Pnars like to celebrate the end of one year and the start of a new year with an annual feast called 'Umsan Nongalah', when all members of the community gather together to offer obeisance for a good harvest in the coming months.
Garo festivals and dances are connected with several phases of the Jhum farming cycle.
Nartiang Durga Dedorri Festival
The Nartiang Durga Dedorri festival is an annual socio-cultural festival of the Jaintia tribe which takes place towards the December end or early January usually on the 1st of December near Nartiang about 40 kilometres west from Jowai town in West Jaintia Hills District. It has been held annually since 2005.
In addition to the above festivals, Meghalaya celebrated many more different kinds of festivals representing unity in diversity as been practised since ancient times by various communities living together here in Meghalaya. These days the state observes a number of fairs and carnivals too throughout the year adding colours to the cultural spectrum. Some notable ones are Hornbill Tourism Festival (organized by the state tourism department), Garo Cultural Show, Dampa Tiger Dance festival etc. Moreover, the state celebrates St. Mary’s feast with a lot of celebration especially at Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills on the 20th of September every year followed by fairs and carnivals arranged by various churches from all over Meghalaya.
Festivals in Meghalaya have an infectious beat, which are are a treat for all your senses, so don't forget to bring a sense of adventure along with you.
The festivals offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the deep rural culture of this North-eastern state while enjoying its vibrant celebrations of life and nature. With each tribe having its own unique language and dress sense, these events are like stepping into a world full of colourful traditions, making it one of the best ways to experience this part of India.
So mark your calendars for all these must-see festivals of Meghalaya!