Shillong Festivals And Events: Celebrating Traditions With Joy

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is not just a hill station of mesmerizing beauty—it’s also a land steeped in cultural heritage, tribal traditions, and vibrant celebrations. Often called the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong is home to the Khasi tribe, known for their warm hospitality, music, and colorful festivals that reflect the region’s deep-rooted customs and spiritual beliefs.

Whether it’s celebrating the changing seasons, honoring local deities, enjoying community feasts, or hosting modern music festivals, Shillong is a place where tradition meets modernity with joy and pride. In this detailed article, we’ll take a journey through some of the most prominent festivals and events celebrated in Shillong, exploring their cultural importance, rituals, and how travelers can experience them.

Why Festivals in Shillong Are Unique

The festivals in Shillong offer more than just entertainment. They are:

• Deeply connected to nature and agriculture

• Centered around community bonding

• Rooted in tribal customs and legends

• A mix of indigenous and Christian influences

• Often accompanied by music, dance, and traditional attire

For visitors, these festivals are an unforgettable way to immerse themselves in Meghalaya’s rich and diverse culture.

1. Shad Suk Mynsiem – Dance of Peace and Thanksgiving

Time: April
Where: Weiking Ground, Shillong and other Khasi areas

Shad Suk Mynsiem, which translates to the “Dance of Peaceful Hearts,” is one of the most significant and graceful festivals of the Khasi tribe. It is held as a thanksgiving to God for blessings received during the year and to welcome the new season with joy.

Highlights:

• Men wear traditional silk dhotis, plumed turbans, and ornamental jewelry, while women wear vibrant gold-trimmed dresses and silver crowns.

• The dance takes place in a large circle, accompanied by drums and pipes.

• It symbolizes fertility, gratitude, purity, and balance between men and women.

Travel Tip: This is one of the best times to witness authentic Khasi traditions in Shillong. Arrive early to get a good view, and respect the sacred nature of the event.

2. Nongkrem Dance Festival – A Sacred Ritual of the Khasi People

Time: October or November
Where: Smit Village (15 km from Shillong)

The Nongkrem Dance Festival is a five-day religious festival dedicated to Ka Blei Synshar, the goddess of prosperity. It is performed by the Khasi people of the Hima Khyrim tribe and includes animal sacrifices, prayers, and ritualistic dances.

Highlights:

• The ‘Pomblang’ sacrifice of goats is performed by priests to please the deity.

• Unmarried Khasi girls, dressed in stunning traditional clothes and silver ornaments, perform the Shad Kynthei (maiden’s dance).

• Men, dressed as warriors, perform the Shad Myntri, a warrior dance with swords and shields.

Cultural Insight: The festival is a spiritual event and not just a performance. It reflects the matrilineal structure of Khasi society and the deep respect for nature and ancestors.

3. Behdienkhlam – The Fight Against Evil Spirits

Time: July
Where: Jowai (but celebrated by Pnar people, near Shillong)

Although primarily celebrated in Jaintia Hills, Behdienkhlam is gaining popularity in Shillong as well due to the growing interest in local traditions. It’s a vibrant and competitive festival that marks the end of the sowing season and is aimed at driving away evil spirits and diseases.

Highlights:

• Villagers carry huge, beautifully decorated wooden logs called ‘rots’, which are thrown into a muddy pool.

• Ritual dances, traditional sports, and feasts are part of the celebrations.

• A football match played with a wooden ball symbolizes a good harvest for the winning side.

Fun Fact: The name Behdienkhlam means “chasing away the plague,” and it blends fun with faith in a truly unique way.

4. Wangala Festival – The Hundred Drums Festival

Time: November
Where: Garo Hills, but also celebrated by Garo communities in Shillong

Wangala is the harvest festival of the Garo tribe. While its main celebrations take place in the Garo Hills, mini-Wangala events are also held in Shillong by local Garo communities, offering travelers a chance to witness the cultural richness of another major tribe in Meghalaya.

Highlights:

• Over 100 men beat traditional drums in unison, creating an overwhelming rhythm that echoes through the hills.

• Women perform the Dama Gogata, a dance that mimics harvesting actions.

• Traditional attire, bamboo flutes, horns, and gongs create a dramatic cultural showcase.

Travel Tip: If you can’t make it to the Garo Hills, ask locals in Shillong if there are Wangala events happening in community centers—you might get lucky!

5. Christmas and New Year – A Musical Winter Wonderland

Time: December
Where: Entire Shillong

With a majority Christian population, Shillong celebrates Christmas with great enthusiasm. The entire city lights up with stars, bells, and decorations. Carol singers roam the streets, and churches host midnight services and choirs that are open to all.

Highlights:

• Local bands and musicians perform in public parks and cafes.

• Street food stalls pop up in Police Bazar and Laitumkhrah.

• Churches like the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians are beautifully lit and filled with festive cheer.

Travel Tip: Book your stay early if visiting during Christmas. Don’t miss the evening choir performances, which are some of the best in the country.

6. Autumn Festival – A Blend of Culture and Adventure

Time: October–November
Where: Shillong and outskirts (Umiam Lake, Polo Grounds)

Organized by the Meghalaya Tourism Department, the Autumn Festival is a relatively new but incredibly popular event. It’s a celebration of music, fashion, adventure sports, and local cuisine, designed to attract tourists and showcase the diverse talents of the people of Shillong.

Highlights:

• Fashion shows, food festivals, and wine-tasting events.

• Water sports and adventure activities at Umiam Lake.

• Live music by local and national artists, blending rock, jazz, blues, and folk.

Traveler’s Delight: This is a great event for young travelers and adventure lovers. The blend of culture and modern entertainment makes it truly special.

7. Cherry Blossom Festival – India’s Own Pink Season

Time: November
Where: Wards Lake, Polo Grounds, and city gardens

Shillong is the first city in India to host a Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrating the blooming of Himalayan cherry trees. The event brings together nature, culture, and entertainment in a truly magical setting.

Highlights:

• Gardens covered in pink cherry blossoms.

• Music concerts, cosplay competitions, fashion shows, and storytelling sessions.

• Korean food and K-pop-themed activities reflect the youth’s fascination with Korean culture.

Photography Tip: Visit Ward’s Lake early in the morning to capture the soft glow of cherry blossoms in golden light.

8. India International Cherry Blossom Festival

A larger version of the local Cherry Blossom event, this international-level festival invites foreign performers, scientists, artists, and culinary experts to celebrate Shillong’s beautiful pink season.

Highlights:

• Scientific seminars on climate and horticulture.

• Global cuisine stalls.

• Performances by international bands and cultural groups.

Bonus: Shillong’s weather during November is perfect for walking tours and cultural exploration.

9. Shillong Literary Festival

Time: Coincides with the Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Brookside Bungalow (residence of Rabindranath Tagore) and other venues

For literature lovers, this festival is a must. Featuring authors, poets, historians, and translators from across India and abroad, this event promotes literary discussion and celebrates creative expression.

Highlights:

• Author talks, book launches, poetry readings.

• Panel discussions on northeast literature and identity.

• Children’s storytelling sessions and writing workshops.

10. Music Events and Local Rock Festivals

Shillong is known as the Rock Capital of India, and rightly so. With a strong musical culture, the city frequently hosts rock concerts, band competitions, jazz festivals, and pop gigs throughout the year.

Popular Events:

• NH7 Weekender (Meghalaya Edition)

• Shillong Jazz and Blues Festival

• Local Battle of the Bands Competitions

Local Talent: Don’t be surprised if you hear a young boy singing rock ballads on the street or find live music at a roadside café. Music is a way of life in Shillong.

How to Experience Shillong’s Festivals as a Traveler

• Check Dates in Advance: Festival dates can change slightly each year based on local calendars.

• Book Early: Accommodations fill up quickly during major events.

• Dress Modestly: Especially for traditional festivals like Nongkrem and Shad Suk Mynsiem.

• Respect Local Customs: Ask for permission before clicking photos during rituals.

• Engage with Locals: Most people are friendly and eager to share their traditions.

Shillong is more than a scenic destination—it’s a vibrant cultural hub where ancient rituals blend with modern rhythms. The city’s festivals reflect its soul—joyful, musical, colorful, and deeply spiritual. From tribal dances in sacred groves to rock concerts under cherry trees, Shillong’s festivals are unforgettable experiences that celebrate life, nature, community, and creativity.

If you ever find yourself in this beautiful hill city, time your visit with one of these festivals and become a part of the heartbeat of Meghalaya.