The sixth edition of Winter Tales, Meghalaya’s flagship community-led festival, opened today at the picturesque Ward’s Lake in Shillong. Organized by The Meghalayan Age Limited and curated by Dak-ti, the three-day festival—an initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya—will run till December 13, celebrating the theme “Nurture.”
This year’s edition places a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of culture, craft, land and community, symbolised through the imagery of “Five Fingers” to represent hands that “create, cook, sing, feel, and build.” The theme underscores how indigenous knowledge and traditions are sustained through generations, with craftsmanship at the heart of Meghalaya’s identity.
The festival was inaugurated by Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, who was joined by artisans, entrepreneurs and the ‘Kner Sha Ki – Kid’s Choir,’ whose performance set a warm tone for the event. Calling Winter Tales “far more than a festival” and a “cultural movement,” the Minister highlighted the centrality of the community, particularly its skilled artisans.
“For us in Meghalaya, culture is not something that exists only on stage. It lives in the hands of the artisan,” he said, emphasizing that heritage is preserved not as performance but through lived practices. He also praised the festival’s deep commitment to sustainability, noting the use of bamboo, jute, clay and other organic materials. “We take pride in the fact that this is one of the few large public festivals ensuring minimal waste, minimal plastic, and maximum respect for nature,” he remarked. Describing the event as an exercise in “knowledge sharing, community empowerment, and living heritage,” Shri Shira reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Meghalaya’s creative community in India and globally.
The opening day featured a performance by popular YouTuber and content creator Paduh Aki, along with a musical act by the Shillong Cosplay Community. The workshop stage hosted several sessions, including the launch of “From Shillong to Saigon, Market Places as Crossroads of Culture” by Northeast India AV Archive, and discussions led by Habari Warjri and Nicholas Kharnami, also known as RJ Nicky, who spoke on ‘Collective Responsibility Towards Waste Management.’
A major highlight of Day 1 was the presentation of the first edition of the Go Green Awards, recognizing exemplary contributions to sustainable practices. Shri Nicholas J. Kharnami received the ‘Green Ambassador Award’ along with a ₹20,000 cheque, while Iaineshkhem SHG won in the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ category. The Eco Club of LEADS Higher Secondary School was awarded in the ‘Sustainability Cell’ category, and Joshua Rayner Lyngdoh received recognition in the ‘Installations’ category, with each winner receiving ₹10,000.
The evening brought vibrant performances by Sur Na Nongkyndong, Jameer & Mel, Echora, Kata Nisa and Dub Fader. Meanwhile, the workshop stage offered live demonstrations in pottery, cane and bamboo craft, textile weaving, woodwork and live painting—spotlighting Meghalaya’s master artisans.
In the coming two days, Winter Tales 2025 will continue to feature music, workshops, storytelling, live art and interactive sessions. Day 2 will include talks by artist and designer Mario Pathaw, book launches by Martin Luther Christian University Press and a photography session by acclaimed Indian photojournalist Pablo Bartholomew. Day 3 will host storytelling by Dr. Auswyn Winter Japang, a zero-waste cooking session with Chef Ahmedaki Laloo of A’Origins, and a session titled ‘Winter Tales Magic’ by Jemimah Marak, founder of the 100 Story House.
Evening performances will feature popular local bands including Larger Than 90, Ahaia The Band, Soul Groove, Maya Lyngdoh, Blue Temptations and Khasi Bloodz, ensuring a mix of contemporary energy and indigenous rhythm for attendees.
The expansive Artisanal Market remains a key attraction, showcasing handwoven textiles, cane and bamboo crafts, wooden sculptures, pottery and other local products by entrepreneurs from PRIME Rural, PRIME Urban, Meghalaya Collectives and more. Visitors can also explore contemporary and indigenous cuisine, locally brewed beverages and immersive experience zones.
This year’s artistic highlight is the Cyanotype March – “50 Years of Meghalaya in Light and Time” by Conrad Syiem, marking five decades since Meghalaya attained statehood. Curated artworks by Careen Joplin Langstieh are also on display, adding depth to the festival’s cultural narrative.
Winter Tales continues to embody Meghalaya’s ethos—community-driven, eco-conscious and deeply rooted in indigenous storytelling. Through its zero-waste approach, organic material structures and celebration of local voices, the festival invites visitors to experience the state’s living heritage.
The inaugural day was attended by Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble Tourism Minister; Smt. Brenda Lee Pakyntein, MCS, Director, Department of Tourism; Shri Robert Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer, MAL; Smt. Rida Gatphoh, founder, Dak-ti; along with officials from the Department of Tourism and The Meghalayan Age Limited.
