News

Upcoming Events & Festivals in Shillong

The best time to visit Shillong for events and festivals

Shillong is a beautiful city located in the northeast region of India, and it is well-known for its cultural diversity and vibrant festivals. The city hosts a plethora of events and festivals throughout the year, and the best time to visit Shillong for these is during the months of October to March.

During these months, the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is alive with the sounds of music, dance, and the aroma of local cuisines during this time. Some of the most popular events and festivals that take place during this time include the Shillong Autumn Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Shillong Wine Festival.

The Shillong Autumn Festival is a celebration of the city's rich cultural heritage, and it features a wide range of traditional music, dance, and food. The Cherry Blossom Festival, on the other hand, is a celebration of the blooming of cherry blossoms in the city. It is a beautiful sight to behold, and visitors can enjoy various cultural events, food stalls, and live music performances during this festival. Lastly, the Shillong Wine Festival is a celebration of the city's wine culture, where visitors can taste and purchase locally produced wine.

If you are planning to visit Shillong for events and festivals, make sure to plan your trip during the months of October to March to experience the city's lively and cultural atmosphere.

Festival of Shillong: Ka Pomblang Nongkrem

One of the most important festivals in Shillong is the Ka Pomblang Nongkrem or Nongkrem dance festival. Celebrated by the Khasi tribe, the festival is an offering to the goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a good harvest, prosperity, and peace.

The five-day festival takes place in the month of November, and the main celebrations take place on the last day. The festival is celebrated at the Smit village, which is located about 20 km from Shillong. People from all over the region come to witness this spectacular event.

On the day of the festival, the men and women of the Khasi tribe dress in traditional attire and perform the Nongkrem dance. The dance is performed to the beats of the traditional drum, and the dancers move in a circle, holding hands. The dance is a symbol of unity and harmony among the people.

Apart from the dance, there are other rituals that take place during the festival. The Goat sacrifice ceremony is one such ritual, where a goat is sacrificed to the goddess Ka Blei Synshar. This is done to appease the goddess and seek her blessings for a good harvest.

The Ka Pomblang Nongkrem festival is a great opportunity to witness the rich culture and traditions of the Khasi tribe. The festival is a must-visit for anyone visiting Shillong in November.

Celebrating the harvest season: Wangala Festival

Wangala Festival is one of the most important and celebrated harvest festivals of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya. It is also known as the Hundred Drums Festival and is held every year in the months of November and December. The festival is celebrated to thank the Sun God or Saljong for a good harvest season and to seek blessings for a prosperous future. 

The festival is marked by the beating of hundred drums simultaneously, which is a mesmerizing experience to behold. The Garo people dress up in their traditional attire and perform the Wangala dance, which is a symbol of the joy and happiness of the harvest season. The festival is a perfect opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Garo tribe, sample their delicious cuisine, and witness their traditional sports and games. The festival is celebrated in various parts of Meghalaya, but the most famous one is held in Asanang village, which is about 20 km from Tura town. The Wangala Festival is a must-visit event for anyone who wants to experience the vibrant and colorful culture of Shillong and its neighboring regions.

Uniting communities Shad Suk Mynsiem

Shad Suk Mynsiem is one of the most popular festivals in Shillong and is celebrated by the Khasi tribe. The festival is a symbol of unity, as it brings together people from different communities and promotes harmony and brotherhood among them. The festival is held in the month of April every year and is celebrated with great pomp and show.

During Shad Suk Mynsiem, people dress up in traditional attire and participate in various cultural activities. The festival is marked by the arrival of the king and queen, who are welcomed with great enthusiasm. The highlight of the festival is the dance performed by the women, known as 'Ka Shad Kynthei'. The dance is a symbol of the mother goddess and represents the role of women in society.

Shad Suk Mynsiem is not just a festival but an occasion that promotes the rich cultural heritage of the Khasi tribe. It is a great opportunity for tourists to learn about the traditions and customs of the tribe and experience their unique way of life. If you happen to be in Shillong during the festival, make sure you don't miss the opportunity to witness this grand celebration.

Honoring the departed: Behdienkhlam Festival

Behdienkhlam is one of the most significant festivals of the Jaintia community in Shillong. Celebrated annually in July, the festival is a way of honoring the departed and seeking blessings for the well-being of the community. It is a four-day long festival that is filled with color, music, and dance.

The first day of the festival is known as "Ka Pemblang" which involves the creation of a symbolic representation of the universe known as "Rath". On the second day, young men gather at the banks of the river and engage in a fierce game of "Dkain Lam", which is a game of strength and skill. The third day is the most important day of the festival, where the "Rath" is taken to the sacred pool for a symbolic purification ritual. The final day of the festival is marked by a grand procession known as "Rots" where the "Rath" is taken back to its original location.

Behdienkhlam is a must-visit festival for anyone who wants to experience the rich cultural heritage of Shillong. The festival is a unique blend of religion, tradition, and entertainment and is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Rocking the city: Shillong Autumn Festival

One of the most anticipated events in Shillong is the annual Shillong Autumn Festival. This festival is a celebration of the city's unique cultural heritage and vibrant music scene that is sure to leave you feeling energized and inspired.

The festival takes place in October and features a wide range of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. From traditional folk music and dance performances to contemporary rock and pop concerts, there is something for everyone at this festival.

One of the highlights of the Shillong Autumn Festival is the Battle of the Bands competition, which features some of the region's most talented musicians competing for the top prize. This is a great opportunity to discover new talent and experience the local music scene at its best.

In addition to music, the festival also features a Shillong Food Restaurants and craft fair, where you can sample some of the region's most delicious dishes and purchase unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Overall, the Shillong Autumn Festival is an excellent opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of this beautiful city while enjoying some of the best music and entertainment that the region has to offer.

Understanding the cultural significance of Shillong's festivals

Shillong has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its festivals and events. Understanding the cultural significance of these festivals is key to appreciating and fully enjoying them.

One of the most significant festivals in Shillong is the Nongkrem Dance Festival, which is celebrated by the Khasi tribe. This festival is held in November and is a time for thanksgiving and seeking blessings from the gods for a bountiful harvest. The festival is marked by traditional dances, rituals, and offerings to the gods.

Another important festival in Shillong is the Behdienkhlam Festival, which is celebrated by the Pnar tribe. This festival is held in July and is a time for seeking blessings for a good harvest, good health, and prosperity. The festival is marked by a ritual where young men carry wooden posts, symbolizing the unity and strength of the community, through the streets.

Apart from these festivals, there are several other festivals in Shillong that are celebrated with great enthusiasm, such as the Shad Suk Mynsiem Festival, the Wangala Festival, and the Durga Puja Festival. Each festival has its unique cultural significance and traditions that are worth experiencing.

By understanding the cultural significance of these festivals, tourists can gain a deeper appreciation of the local culture and traditions of Shillong. It's a great opportunity to witness and participate in these celebrations, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.