Meghalaya, “the abode of clouds”
Meghalaya, also known as the “abode of clouds,” is a stunning state located in northeast India. Established on January 21, 1972, Meghalaya was created by separating two districts from Assam: the United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills. With an estimated population of 3,211,474 in 2014, Meghalaya covers an area of approximately 22,429 square kilometers, boasting a length-to-breadth ratio of about 3:1.
This incredible state is bordered by the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet to the south, Rangpur to the west, and India’s State of Assam to the north and east. The capital of Meghalaya is the vibrant city of Shillong, which was once dubbed the “Scotland of the East” during British rule. English serves as the official language of Meghalaya, and the state follows a unique matrilineal system where lineage and inheritance are traced through women.
Meghalaya is renowned as the wettest region in India, with the southern Khasi Hills receiving an average of 12,000 mm (470 in) of rain annually. Approximately 70% of the state is covered in lush forests, showcasing the diverse Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion. This area is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, and plants, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
In terms of economy, Meghalaya thrives on agriculture, with crops like potatoes, rice, maize, pineapples, bananas, papayas, and spices being the mainstay. The state also boasts a flourishing commercial forestry industry and a growing service sector that includes real estate and insurance companies.
The Tourism Department of the Government of Meghalaya serves as the administrative body responsible for overseeing and coordinating the functions of the Directorate of Tourism and the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. This ensures the uniform implementation of governmental procedures.
The Tourism Department focuses on establishing general policies, providing direction, handling legislation, managing assembly business, addressing interdepartmental matters, and conducting reviews and assessments of policy and scheme execution. Day-to-day execution and implementation of schemes are typically delegated to the Head of Department.
A Department, as defined in the Rules of Executive Business of the Government of Meghalaya, is responsible for formulating government policy within its area of responsibility and evaluating the execution of that policy.
The Directorate of Tourism was established in 1972, following the establishment of Tourist Information Centers in New Delhi and Kolkata in 1970. Additional centers were later opened in Tura, Guwahati, Baghmara, and Jowai in subsequent years.
The Directorate’s primary goal is to enhance tourist traffic, generate revenue for the state, upgrade tourist infrastructure, identify new tourist destinations, and improve existing ones. By providing amenities such as accommodation and transportation, the Directorate aims to position Meghalaya as a prominent tourist destination on the global stage.
Through various promotional activities, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, awareness programs, and advertising campaigns, the Directorate actively promotes tourism in the state. Recently, a technical cell was established to monitor tourism projects and ensure their successful implementation.
Other Details
The Directorate of Tourism, 3rd Secretariat Nokrek Building, Lower Lachumiere, Shillong-793001, Meghalaya, India
Phone no : 0364-2582508
Email Id : meghtourism@gmail.com
Nongkrem Dance – A Religious Dance Festival of Meghalaya
Date: Generally held in the month of November every year
Venue: Smit, the cultural center of the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, India, located about 11km from Shillong.
Experience the Vibrant Nongkrem Dance Festival
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya by attending the Nongkrem dance festival, celebrated during Autumn at Smit, the heart of the Khasi Hills. This five-day religious extravaganza, known as Nongkrem dance, is a must-see event.
Similar to other festivals in Meghalaya, the Nongkrem Dance Festival is a way to honor the powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. The festival is filled with rituals and traditions that showcase the deep-rooted beliefs of the Khasi community.
During the festival, the Syiem of Khyrim and the high priest perform the Pomblang ceremony, offering oblations to the God of Shillong peak through the sacrifice of goats. This is followed by offerings to the ancestors and the ruling clan’s deity, creating a spiritual and sacred atmosphere.
The highlight of the Nongkrem Dance Festival is the mesmerizing dances performed by unmarried girls in their traditional attire, adding a touch of elegance and grace to the festivities. The men’s dances are more dynamic and energetic, with participants wielding swords and Yak hair whisks, moving to the rhythmic beats of drums and pipes.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the Nongkrem Dance Festival, a unique blend of religious fervor and cultural celebration that will leave you spellbound. Join us in Smit for an unforgettable experience!
Wangala – The 100 Drums Festival of Meghalaya
Venue: Garo Hill in Meghalaya, India
Experience the Vibrant Wangala Festival
The Wangala Festival of Meghalaya is a highly anticipated event among the Garo community in India. This harvest festival is dedicated to Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility, and is a time of celebration and gratitude for the bountiful harvest. As the festival approaches, the anticipation builds, marking the end of hard work in the fields and the beginning of the winter season.
Immerse Yourself in the Rituals of the Wangala Festival
Known as the 100 Drums Festival, the Wangala Festival is a grand affair where tribals come together to offer sacrifices to their main deity, Saljong. Lasting for two days, and sometimes even a week, the festival is a spectacle of color, music, and dance. The first day, known as Ragula, involves a ceremony inside the chief’s house, while the second day, Kakkat, is when the real festivities begin.
Witness the Energetic Dances and Music
During the Wangala Festival, people of all ages don their traditional attire and feathered headgear to dance to the beat of the long oval-shaped drums. The hills and valleys come alive with the sound of drums, gongs, and flutes, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The dance forms, performed with precision and energy, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Garo community.
Celebrate and Preserve the Garo Culture
The Wangala Festival is not just a celebration; it is a way to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the Garo people in Meghalaya. Through music, dance, and rituals, the festival brings the community together in a joyous display of tradition and heritage.
Join us in experiencing the vibrant and colorful Wangala Festival, where the spirit of the Garo community shines bright!