7 Meghalaya Festivals You Must Witness On Your Next Visit

Meghalaya a small State in the North-Eastern part of India is where you'll find more than just thunderclouds and a vast green landscape. These ancient people have passed their ways of life to the younger generations. Though during these modern times many people are engaged in secondary and tertiary activities, the festivals in Meghalaya are always celebrated with great pomp and gaiety.

Festivals in Meghalaya

1. Shad Suk Mynsiem

Shad Suk Mynsiem, Meghalaya Festivals — Source

The Shad Suk Mynsiem is celebrated in April. The exact dates are decided the same month. The rituals or ceremonies are conducted by individual family clans or the Khasi state (Hima). The dance is performed to signify the matrilineal and patrilineal structure of the Khasi society. The dance is performed by unmarried girls dressed in their traditional best while the man circles the women, brandishing his sword. The significance of the dance is that a man is the protector of a woman's honor. The dance is performed at the Weiking Grounds near the capital city of Shillong and other places.

2. Nongkrem Festival

Nongkrem Festival, Meghalaya Festivals — Source

The most important festival among the Khasis, the Nongkrem Festival, is celebrated every year at Smit, 15 km away from Shillong. It is an essential seat of the Hima Khyriem (Chief of Khyriem). The rituals are performed by the Syiem, the head of the Khasi state, and ka Syiem Sad (head priestess). They are revered as the caretakers of the ceremonies and the people. The festival is celebrated for good harvest, peace, and prosperity. People from all over the country and the world come to witness the celebration that is accompanied by young women performing the Shad Kynthei and the men circling them performing the Shad Mystieh, as a symbol of male power and protection over the women.

When: October/November 2024 (Dates may vary based on the lunar calendar)

3. Behdeinkhlam Festival

Behdeinkhlam Festival, Meghalaya Festivals — Source

One of the most important festivals of the Jaintia people is the Behdeinkhlam Festival. It is celebrated by the people of the Niamtre religion. It is celebrated in July before the seed-sowing season. The literal meaning of Behdeinkhlam is 'Chasing away the Plague'. Rituals and sacrifices are made by the priest, accompanied by the beating of drums and flutes. Tall minarets are paraded to the holy ground and are then submerged in a river. Men, both old and young, accompany the drums and flutes with dance while the women stand watch in their finest traditional and heavily decked in gold. The festival is celebrated every year at Jowai Town and other villages of the Jaintia hills.

4. Chad Sukra

Shad Sukra, Meghalaya Festivals — Source

Chad Sukra is the sowing festival celebrated by the Jaintia (Pnars) tribe. Held before the sowing season, in April, this festival involves prayers and rituals to ensure a prosperous harvest. The festival showcases traditional Jaintia dances and rituals, with both men and women dressing in their best traditional attire. The community comes together to perform these dances as a form of thanksgiving and to pray for a bountiful season.

5. Wangala Festival

The Wangala festival is one of the most important festivals of the Garo people. It is a post-harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the agricultural year. It is a thanksgiving festival to the god of fertility, known as Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. Today it is popularly known as The Hundred Drums festival. Accompanied by the cries of the leading warrior, he leads the boys and girls to synchronized dance steps with hand and heads gesturing movements. The festival is celebrated from September and December at popular places across Garo Hills. If one wishes to witness the truly traditional way of celebration by the Garo people who are still practising the old religion, they can be found at 'Songsarek' (animistic) villages like Sadolpara in West Garo Hills.

Other Festivals of Meghalaya

The Garo Hills region celebrates a number of smaller festivals that are closely connected to the Jhum cultivation cycle. Festivals such as Rongchu Gala and Den Bilsia involve traditional rituals like the sacrifice of fowls and offer a glimpse into the rich traditions of the Garo tribe. While these festivals may be less well-known, they remain a vital part of the cultural fabric of the region. Some other Festivals in Meghalaya are listed below.

Wangala Festival, Meghalaya Festivals — Source

6. Strawberry Festival

Meghalaya has been hosting the Strawberry Festival yearly to promote farmers and food production from the fruit. The climate of the state is perfectly fit for the much-loved fruit. People throng to Umsning and Sohliya village in Ri-Bhoi district every February on Valentine's Day to enjoy lush and sweet strawberries. The festival is not only for families and loved ones to come and enjoy but to contribute to the growth of the local farmers and support their economy.

When: February/March 2025

7. Umsan Nongkharai Festival

Umsan Nongkharai is a significant Khasi festival that honors the Khasi deity, Lei Shyllong, after whom the capital city of Shillong is named. The rituals include animal sacrifices, music, and all-night prayers to seek blessings for a good harvest and protection from natural disasters. The festival is celebrated with traditional drums and flutes, and the community dances until dawn. Umsan Nongkharai lasts for five days, with the most important rituals taking place on the final day.

When: April/May 2025

The festivals of Meghalaya offer a rich and colorful experience for anyone interested in understanding the traditions and culture of this beautiful state. From harvest festivals to Thanksgiving ceremonies, each festival is a blend of religious devotion, community bonding, and cultural expression. If you're planning a trip to Meghalaya, aligning your visit with one of these famous festivals will give you a deeper appreciation of the region's unique heritage. There is much to see and experience in the beautiful state of Meghalaya. Which among these festivals in Meghalaya are you most keen on experiencing? Let us know in the comments below!