Shillong: The
6th edition of the Winter Tales 2025 commenced today at the iconic Ward’s Lake,
Shillong. Winter Tales, which is an initiative of the Department of Tourism,
Government of Meghalaya, is organized by The Meghalayan Age Limited and curated
by Dak-ti. The three-day event will continue till December 13th, 2025.
The
theme for this year’s Winter Tales is “Nurture”, which celebrates
the interconnected nature of culture, craft, community and land, honouring how
the indigenous ways of living are passed down from generations to generations.
The Winter Tales 2025 is also anchored in the five fingers imagery, highlighting
how hands are the instruments that tell stories, build communities and sustain
customs and traditions.
The
opening day began with an inauguration walkthrough by Shri Timothy D. Shira,
Hon’ble Tourism Minister, accompanied by the artisans, entrepreneurs and a
heartwarming performance by the ‘Kner Sha Ki – Kid’s Choir.
Addressing the gathering at the
inauguration of Winter Tales 2025, Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble Tourism
Minister, described the event as far
more than a festival, calling it a “cultural movement” rooted in the skills and
traditions of the people. Highlighting this year’s unique theme, ‘Five
Fingers’, he explained that it captures the essence of Meghalaya where hands
"create, cook, sing, feel, and build," not just for livelihood but
for heritage and continuity. Shri Shira emphasized that the true spirit of the
state lies with its craftsmen, stating, “For us in Meghalaya, culture is not
something that exists only on stage. It lives in the hands of the artisan.”
He commended the festival's strict commitment to
sustainability through the use of indigenous organic materials like bamboo,
jute, and clay, remarking, “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.” Outlining the government's vision for the
sector, he added, “This is not simply tourism, this is knowledge sharing,
community empowerment, and living heritage”, and assured the creative
community that the government remains “fully committed to supporting and
promoting” their work across India and the world.
Visitors
also got to enjoy a special performance by famous YouTuber and Content Creator,
Paduh Aki, including a musical act by the Shillong Cosplay Community. Several
engaging sessions and book launches were also lined up in the workshop stage
which included the book launch “From
Shillong to Saigon, Market Places as Crossroads of Culture” by the
Northeast India AV Archive, and other topics of “From Shillong to Saigon,
Market Places as Crossroads of Culture by Habari Warjri, certified nutrition
and health coach, and ‘Collective
Responsibility Towards Waste Management’ by Nicholas Kharnami also known as
RJ Nicky setting the tone for a festival rooted in learning and exchange.
The
event also witnessed the handing out of the first batch of the Go Green Awards
to honour best practices across categories of film, art, food, community-led
efforts which were presented to the winners. The awards were handed out to Shri
Nicholas J Kharnami who was awarded the ‘Green Ambassador Award’
receiving a cheque of Rs 20000. Iaineshkhem SHG received the award in
the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ category, Eco Club of LEADS
Higher Secondary School for the ‘Sustainability Cell’
category and Joshua Rayner Lyngdoh in the ‘Installations’
category who were handed cheques of Rs 10000 each.
The
evening concluded with lively performances by Sur Na Nongkyndong, Jameer & Mel, Echora. Kata Nisa and Dub Fader.
Far from the main stage was the workshop stage which featured live
demonstrations by artisans experienced in pottery, cane and bamboo craft,
textile weaving, woodwork, and live painting.
Over
the next two days, Winter Tales 2025 will continue to host a diverse mix of
music, workshops, live art and interactive sessions. Day 2 and Day 3 will
continue to witness interactive sessions with food and brews entrepreneurs Go
Green Awards presentation to various winners, and musical acts by the Shillong
Cosplay Community.
Day
2 will witness sessions on Art by renowned artist, and designer Mario Pathaw;
book launches by Martin Luther Christian University Press and a photography
session by Indian Photojournalist and Artist, Pablo Bartholomew.
Day
3 will include Storytelling on Identity by Dr. Auswyn Winter Japang, noted
Khasi scholar and folklorist, culinary session on Zero Waste Cooking and Food
Systems by Chef Ahmedaki Laloo, founder of A’Origins and Storytelling session
on Winter Tales Magic by Jemimah Marak, storyteller, educator and founder of
the 100 Story House.
The
workshop stage will also continue to feature live demonstrations by artisans
experienced in pottery, cane and bamboo craft, textile weaving, woodwork, and
live painting over the next two days.
Evenings
will showcase performances by local bands Larger Than 90, Ahaia The Band, Soul
Groove, Maya Lyngdoh, Blue Temptations, Khasi Bloodz and more providing a
vibrant musical experience for all the attendees.
Winter
Tales 2025 will also be hosting an expansive Artisanal Market showcasing local
products from entrepreneurs and organizations including PRIME Rural and PRIME
Urban, Meghalaya Collectives among others ranging from handwoven textiles, cane
and bamboo crafts, wooden sculptures, pottery etc. The event will also showcase
a variety of contemporary and indigenous cuisine alongwith a wide range of
locally produced brews and beverages and different experience zones.
An
artistic highlight of this year’s event is the Cyanotype March – ‘50 Years of
Meghalaya in Light and Time’ by Conrad Syiem, a first of its kind
project highlighting the evolution of Meghalaya over the past fifty years since
attaining statehood alongside artworks curated by Careen Joplin Langstieh.
The
Winter Tales continues to remain Meghalaya’s flagship event completely driven
by the community, and an environment friendly festival that sources everything
locally while uplifting indigenous voices and promoting sustainability through
its zero-waste and organic structures using bamboo, jute, cane and other
natural materials. The festival embodies the spirit of the people of Meghalaya,
inviting visitors to connect and explore, and experience its living stories and
culture.
The
event was graced by Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble Tourism Minister; Smt.
Brenda Lee Pakyntein, MCS, Director, Department of Tourism; Shri Robert
Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer, The Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL); Smt.
Rida Gatphoh, founder, Dak-ti; officials of the Department of Tourism, MAL
among others.