Most Popular Festivals of Meghalaya That You Must Experience in Your Next Visit

Meghalaya offers eternal happiness and peace, immersed in breathtaking beauty. Beautiful locations, an abundance of wildlife, calm, natural surroundings, and intense sports are what make the Home of Clouds captivating. A view of lush hills and valleys consistently drenched in rain can lift anyone's spirits. 

There is more to Meghalaya than just thunderclouds and greenery. The younger generations now follow the lifestyles of these ages-old civilisations. The festivals of Meghalaya are always celebrated with much excitement despite the fact that many people these days are involved in secondary and tertiary activities. Let us understand some of the most spectacular festivals of Meghalaya, which are a must-have experience when you are looking for the Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya.

The most significant festival for the Khasi Clans of Meghalaya is Shad Suk Mynsiem. The Meghalayan Jaintia and Garo Clans also honour it. This celebration takes place every year in April. This remarkable movement celebration is called "Move of Cheerful Hearts." This three-day celebration is commonly referred to as the "Shad Phur." This festival, which is held at Shillong, is mostly observed in the Khasi Hills. So make sure to include Khasi Hills in your Meghalaya Holiday Packages. 

The dance is done to represent the Khasi society's matrilineal and patrilineal systems. The male walks around the women brandishing his sword while one of the unmarried young girls dances in their traditional best. The dance symbolises the idea that a man defends a woman's honour. The dance is performed, among other locations, at the Weiking Grounds close to Shillong, the state capital. The symbolism of this festival is unique and special for all the couples out there, so make sure to include this place while looking for Meghalaya tour packages for couple.

The Behdienkhlam Festival is among the most significant celebrations in Jaintia . The followers of the Niamtre faith celebrate it. It is observed in July, just before the planting season. Behdienkhlam literally means 'chasing away the plague'. The priest performs rituals and makes sacrifices while drums and flutes play. After being marched to the sacred site, tall minarets are placed in a river. Men of all ages dance to the rhythms of the drums and flutes while ladies keep guard in their most elaborate costumes, which are carefully decked with gold. Jowai Town and neighbouring Jaintia Hills villages honour the festival annually. Make sure you ask your Meghalaya Travel Guide to take you through the wonders of this place!

One of the most well-known Khasi festivals, the Nongkrem Festival, takes place annually in Smit. The Chief of Khyriem, or Hima Khyriem seat, is important. The head priestess, ka Syiem Sad, and the leader of the Khasi state, the Syiem, perform the rituals. As the guardians of the customs and common people, they are respected. The occasion is to honour prosperity, peace, and a plentiful harvest. Visitors travel from all over the country and the world to witness the event, which features young women performing the Shad Kynthei and males surrounding performing the Shad Mystieh as a symbol of masculine power and control over the women. 

The Jaintia community observes the Shad Sukra in April or May every year. The planting season officially begins with this celebration. The anticipatory wait by all Jaintia farmers, this holiday marks the start of seed sowing. Drums and flutes accompany rituals and dancing as people pray for a fruitful and successful season. Both genders show up for the celebrations dressed out in their finest traditional attire, complete with gold jewellery. You can witness this cultural magnificence in West Jaintia Hills in Jowai Town. So, it is a must-include location in the Meghalaya Tour Packages. 

Another very famous Khasi festival is the Nongkrem Festival, which is celebrated every year at Smit, situated about fifteen kilometres from Shillong. It is an occasion to express gratitude to the fertility deity Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. These days, most people refer to it as the Hundred Drums Festival. With directing movements of his hands and head, he leads the girls and boys in coordinated dancing steps while the leading warrior yells. The celebrations take place in different parts of the Garo Hills from September to December. To witness the truly customary celebrations of the Garo people who continue to follow their ancient faith, visit "Songsarek" (animistic) settlements such as Sadolpara in the West Garo Hills. Wari Chora is pretty close to the Garo Hills. The Seven Giant Serpents live in the Wari Chora region. In Garo, the word "Wari" means "deep water," whereas "Chora" means "long." The Rongdik River flows through this calm, blue area, which is enclosed by canyons. So make sure to visit Wari Chora via the Wari Chora Tour Packages. 

The strawberry is the most intended fruit referred to as the "king of fruits." By and large, it is the main attraction of this festival. Meghalaya is among the best places with agricultural farms, such as fruits like the delicious strawberry. During the festival, fresh strawberries are served, as well as strawberry wine. The other events during this festival include a few events that are entertaining and amusing, like pie eating and a singing competition. The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival tops the list of things that you couldn't, and shouldn't, miss if you opt for the many Meghalaya honeymoon packages up for grabs.

Meghalaya never fails to amaze. There are plenty of surprises in this stunning state in Northeast India, which is also home to the planet's wettest location. Meghalaya is an incredible state with much to offer beyond its first glimpse, giving it cause for celebration on a daily basis. It's much more special if you visit during Meghalaya's festivities. Which of these Meghalayan festivities are you most excited to take part in? Make sure to schedule your travel with Meghalaya Holiday Packages around one of these fascinating festivals or celebrations the next time you make travel plans. Have a great time travelling!