Meghalaya

Tradition and Culture of Meghalaya:

The state of Meghalaya is rich in culture and tradition. The state has many art and craft forms. Different tribes of the state celebrate different festivals with much joy and valour. The people of the region are very much fond of dance and music. Meghalaya is a land of diverse tribes and races of people living in harmony. Meghalaya is a land of unique culture and traditions. Meghalaya is one of the seven north eastern states known for its exquisite bamboo and cane products, weaving and wood carving. The people of Meghalaya consisting of three ancient hill communities - the Garos, Khasis and the Jaintias have a special skill of crafting and making traditional bamboo and cane products. Most of the tribes are engaged in different types of handicraft making including bamboo and cane products.

Fairs and Festivals of Meghalaya:

The fairs and festivals in Meghalaya is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Meghalaya. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Meghalaya are:

• Nongkrem DanceFestival: The Nongkrem dance festival is celebrated during Autumn at Smit, the cultural centre of the Khasi Hills. A five day long religious festival of the Khasis, Ka Pemblang Nongrem dance is popularly known as Nongkrem dance. Similar to all other festivals of the Meghalaya, Nongkrem Dance Festival is performed to appease the all powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people. 
• Wangala Fair: Wangala Festival of Meghalaya is a most popular festival among the Garos of Meghalaya, India. Wangala Festival is a harvest festival held in honour of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility. The celebration of the Wangala Festival marks the end of a period of toil, which brings good output of the fields. It also signifies the onset of winter. Basically, the Wangala Festival is a way to preserve and promote the cultural identity of Garos in Meghalaya. This is one way to exhibit the culture and tradition of the region.
• Behdeinkhlam: Behdienkhlam Festival is the most celebrated Cultural festival among the Pnars. Behdienkhlam (chasing away the Demon of Cholera) is celebrated annually in July after the sowing period, the most important dance festival of the Jaintia tribes. This festival Tour is also an invocation to God, seeking his blessings for a bumper harvest. The women however do not participate in the dancing, as they have an important function of offering sacrificial food to the spirits of the forefathers. The festival held at Jowai is one of the most well known and recreational festival in Meghalaya. 
• Shad Suk Mynsiem: Shad Suk Mynsiem is one of the most important tribal festivals of the Khasis. It is an annual thanksgiving dance festival, when people of the Khasis tribes offer prayer to God for the Bumper harvest. Men and women, dressed in traditional fineries dance along with the beats of drums and pipes called tangmuri, the queen of musical instruments. The festival lasts for three days.

Must Visiting Places In Meghalaya:

• Shillong: The capital of this state, and is also known as Scotland of the East. It is a hill station and has rolling hills and narrow lanes that remind you of Scotland. Ward’s lake is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Shillong for many. Adorned with a bridge and flower bed, the lake also has boating facilities for tourists. A 15-minute walk from the lake will take you to another beautiful attraction-Shillong Golf Course. The entire golf course is stunningly bordered by pine trees and also a picturesque club house. Apart from all this, during your stay in Shillong, if you want to indulge in some fun activity, head to Umiam Lake (pictured above) which is situated at a distance of 15 km from Golf club. They offer a wide range of water sports like boating, scooting, kayaking and also water cycling.
• Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures: The Don Bosco Museum situated in Shillong is one of the major tourist destinations of Meghalaya. A visit to this place will make you privy to the rich, multi-cultural lifestyle of the indigenous people of the entire north-eastern states of India. 7 floored with 2 rooms in each floor, the building displays North- eastern culture and tribal lifestyle brilliantly. You have to pay an entry fee of Rs 60 if you are and Indian and Rs 150 if a foreigner. It is located about 3 km north of Shillong and if you take a cab it will cost you about Rs 400.
• Living Root Bridges: If you want to witness one of the wonders of northeast India, visit the Root Bridges which are situated in the dense forests of Meghalaya. They are also known as living root bridges since the residents — Khasi Tribes — have literally trained the growth of these roots from under ancient rubber trees. This foot bridge is an alternative to any wooden bridge that may rot over time especially during monsoons. The ‘Double Decker’ root bridge in Nongriat near Cherrapunji is something that remains a major tourist attraction. However, a walk on the bridge cannot be done so easily. You have to cover at least 2000 slippery steps till you finally get to view the bridge.
• Mawsmai Cave: Mawsmai Cave located in Cherrapunji is an experience of a lifetime that every traveler should have. There are narrow paths that are entwined with each other. Carry an extra pair of footwear and change of clothes.  Exploring this cave in Meghalaya as said by many travelers is ‘eerie.’ The best part about Mawsmai Cave is the stalagmite formations and the fact that they are the only caves in Meghalaya that are lit enough for tourists to take a walk and enjoy these formations.
• Garo Hills: If you love nature for its pristine beauty and picturesque landscapes, Garo Hills is where you should be. Situated in the western part of Meghalaya, Garo Hills are home to Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (pictured above), Balpakram National Park and also the Siju Wildlife Sanctuary. You can enjoy the calmness of nature and the majestic mountain views here.
• Elephant Falls: The Elephant Falls in Shillong will leave you awestruck owing to the cascading waterfall. The structure on the black rocks resembles an elephant and hence the name. The rock structure was destroyed during an earthquake. The falls however are as majestic as they have always been. The best time to view the beautifully flowing water is during sunset when the light is slowly fading and the water shines. The untouched natural beauty and serenity is what makes this place a must-visit spot in Meghalaya.
• Laitlum Canyon: If you love adventure, then Laitlum Canyon is the perfect place to be at. Ideal for trekker, this place should be put down in your list of best trekking destinations in north east. It might be a little difficult, but if you have the right tools with the help of local guidelines, this trek is surely going to be fun. Once you reach the top which takes four to five hours approximately, the panoramic view of the pristine state of Meghalaya will make your effort worthwhile. On our way back down, you could also head to the Lwai Falls situated on the East Khasi Hills to cool off your tiredness.
• Nohkalikai Falls: Located near Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, Nohkalikai Falls are the tallest in India flowing from a height of 1115 feet (340 mt). The force of the water is so strong that there is a waterhole that has been carved. It turns blue in winter and green in summer. The spectacular view of the falls is a treat to the eyes.

Cuisines of Meghalaya:

The staple food of Meghalaya is rice taken with spicy meat and fish preparations. The people of Meghalaya rear goats, pigs, fowl, ducks and cows and savor their meat. The food types differ among different communities of the people. The Khasi and Jaintia people have their popular dishes like Jadoh, Ki Kpu, Tung Rymbai and pickled bamboo shoots. The Garos on the other hand have their dishes like rice cooked with Kapa (cooked with special ingredient filtered with ash water), steaming foods like Minil Songa, Sakkin Gata, Nakam and dry meat among others. Some of these foods are prepared by keeping them on bamboo shoots. The Garos eat almost any animals besides domesticated. They also ferment rice beer which is a traditional beer consumed during ceremonies and celebrations. The staple food of Meghalaya is Pork. This north eastern state basically has all the non-vegetarians dishes in the cuisine.