Shillong, Aug 24: The tourism department has announced a series of festivals in the upcoming months.
A statement of the tourism department below.
Meghalaya International Film Festival
The Meghalaya International Film Festival is a festival which will help promote the state as a desirable place for filmmaking in order to foster a cinematic culture in the Shillong region, as well as to improve tourism and the local economy.
Around 75 films, documentaries, and a unique local and regional element will be shown in the presence of international cinematographers, actors, and diplomats. There will also be a range of workshops and activities.
Total estimated cost: Rs 1.21 crore
Shillong Autumn Festival
The Shillong Autumn Festival, is held on the banks of the enchanting Umiam lake, and it is one of many festivals that mark the beginning of the new Autumn season.
This is a cultural spectacle that symbolises the state’s rich cultural legacy while also hosting prominent music performers from throughout the state and country, catering to music lovers of all genres. The festival also gives an opportunity for visitors to sample local foods and items like pickles, wines, crafts, and more.
Total estimated sponsorship: Rs 25 lakh
The Hills Festival
The Hills Festival is a native festival that celebrates the state’s modern and traditional richness, ranging from music and art displays to local foods. This is also a festival that features live music, drinks, cuisine, and fun activities in the midst of the beautiful scenery of Shillong’s outskirts. Not only does this event give residents the opportunity to showcase their musical abilities but also offers them an opportunity for them to build their businesses.
Total estimated sponsorship: Rs 25 lakh
Winter tales
The Shillong’s Winter Tales Festival is a one-of-a-kind project and is a festival curated by Dakti Crafts which serves as a platform for Meghalaya’s unique talents and entrepreneurs to convey their stories via Food, Art, Craft, and Music, as well as an opportunity for people to engage with the local creative community and receive inspiration through their work. This festival will include a range of one-of-a-kind events and initiatives that will bring a natural touch to Shillong’s scenic beauty. This event is a great way to start he Christmas and holiday season, and it will keep you engaged and excited about all things Meghalayan.
Total estimated cost: Rs 1 crore
Me•Gong festival
The Me•gong Festival is a festival that promotes the culture, uniqueness,and lifestyle of the Garos while also promoting Meghalaya’s Garo Hills as a tourism destination. This is a three-day event that shows various varieties of brews from throughout the region, as well as a range of traditional beverages on display to symbolise the Garo people’s cultural identity.
Total estimated cost: Rs 2.5-3 crore
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival is a multi-day celebration that features a variety of sights, activities, and art. This event is held during the autumn months when the cherry blossom trees in Meghalaya flower and turn the entire city of Shillong pink, providing a lovely and natural background for anyone wishing to discover both modern and traditional parts of Meghalayan culture. Both modern and traditional art is celebrated in this festival over the span of approximately 10 days, where the musical acts and local vendors that are set up fascinate and excite visitors who come for the festivities.
Total estimated cost: Rs 2.5 crore
Megha Kayak Fest
The Megha Kayak Festival is a whitewater contest held at Umtham village, Meghalaya.
This event will offer three different types of whitewater races in one of the world’s most beautiful locations in Meghalaya, with a total prize money of 20,000 USD for all categories Additionally, there are also equipment and other related incentives to be given as prizes.
Total estimated cost: Rs 55 lakh
North East Olympic Games
The North East Olympic Games 2022 is an event which will be held in October of that year. A vast number of participants, including athletes and technological specialists, are anticipated to attend the games. Athletes from all the northeastern states are expected to compete, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, making this a sight for all to watch. Participants will compete in a variety of sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, judo, and many others.Total
Estimated cost: Rs 5 crore
Wangala
The Wangala Festival is a harvest festival observed by the Garo people of Meghalaya. It honours Saljong, the Sun-God of Fertility, and symbolises the completion of a season of hard work that yields a rich harvest from the fields. It also heralds the arrival of winter. While seeing the stunning dances and costumes during the festival activities, visitors can also sample local cuisine and traditional beverages such as the famous Garo rice beer -bitchi. During the celebration, this indigenous drink is presented to Saljong, their Sun-God, but it is also served during weddings, ceremonies, and even funerals.
Boating Regatta
A first-of-its-kind boating contest will be held at the beautiful Umiam Lake after the monsoons. There will be a series of boating competitions that will be held there wherein there will be participants everywhere.
Total estimated sponsorship: Rs 25 Lakh.
Nongkrem Dance:
The Nongkrem Dance is an annual dance festival celebrated in Smit, during the Autumn season.
The main purpose of this festival is to appease the goddess Lei Shyllong; the God of Shyllong peak while praying for peace, prosperity, and a rich harvest. The Syiem of Khyriem along with the high priests gather together and perform a religious ceremony where they sacrifice a cock. The sacrificing of goats or ‘Pomblang’ is also an important activity in this festival. These religious activities precede the dance.
Unmarried girls and men, wearing exotic traditional dance gear, dance together during this time and the women have a more subtle dance whereas the men are more vigorous and energetic.
Besides, there will be Ri War festival, Sohra festival, Siju festival. Dawki festival and paragliding festival.
