Winter Tales 2024: Balancing tradition, modernity, and sustainability

Shillong, Dec 13: Against the picturesque backdrop of Shillong’s Ward’s Lake, the 5th edition of Winter Tales opened its doors on Thursday, inviting visitors to a celebration of creativity, culture, and sustainability. With its theme of ‘Balance’, the three-day festival focuses on the practical applications of merging the modern and traditional while prioritising sustainability and emphasising on the importance of balance in life.

Inaugurating the event, Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh recalled the festival’s evolution from humble beginnings into a vibrant showcase of local artistry, innovation, and eco-consciousness. “The event started off in a very humble way. Today, it attracts artisans and weavers from all across the 12 districts of the state. This is nothing short of a miracle,” he remarked.

Urging people to remember the importance of responsible tourism, Lyngdoh also announced that in the month of February next year, Meghalaya will be part of a major tourist festival in Gujarat, where the state will be given recognition for having promoted green tourism.

The Minister and dignitaries also handed over the Go-Green Awards across different categories recognising the outstanding commitment to sustainability.

The opening day set the tone with a dynamic blend of panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and performances, weaving together the past and the present. Visitors were immersed in a series of thought-provoking sessions, including a panel on ‘The art of balancing traditional while making space for contemporary’, and an art and storytelling workshop focused on traditional attire draping, courtesy of the Forgotten Folklore Project.

Books also took center stage with the launch of ‘Pahsyntiew: A Folktale from Meghalaya’ by Martin Luther Christian University, adapted by Amayda Eden Syiem and artwork by Casper Syiem, and ‘Ka Sohlyngem and Other Forgotten Songs’ by H. Teslet Pariat. Titles like ‘Bird Folktales of Meghalaya for Children’ and ‘Guide to Birds of Meghalaya’ further enriched the event.

Food lovers were treated to a culinary demonstration by Adonijah Lyngdoh, the winner of ‘Hills on a Plate’ Season 1.

The day’s performances ranged from the serene to the electrifying. Folk-inspired melodies by Na U Bnai, Sur Na Nongkyndong, and Da Minot captured the essence of Meghalaya’s cultural roots, while evening performances by bands like Strait Brothers and Jamelle & the Pinefolks lit up the night.

Since its inception in 2020 under the vision of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Winter Tales has become a flagship program, blending Meghalaya’s cultural vibrancy with sustainable tourism practices.

With the festival to continue for two more days (until December 14), visitors can expect more workshops, performances, and opportunities to engage with local traditions reimagined for modern sensibilities.

Read: Ampareen Lyngdoh’s vehicle, with family inside, attacked in Shillong

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