The fifth edition of Winter Tales festival was today inaugurated by Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh at the iconic Wards Lake in Shillong on the theme, ‘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 sustainability and balance.
The festival showcasing creative solutions that exemplify the balance between progress and preservation expects to encourage a collective commitment to a more sustainable future.
In his address, Lyngdoh said the event started off in a very humble way but now has attracted artisans, arteliers and weavers from all across the 12 districts of the state. “This is nothing short of a miracle,” he remarked and thanked the department and stakeholders involved.
He stated that the greenery around should inspire and remind each one of the importance of responsible tourism. Lyngdoh also announced that in 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.
Today the festival included the main stage and workshop stage. At the main stage, panel discussions were held exploring ‘The art of balancing traditional while making space for contemporary’.
In the workshop stage, art enthusiasts fully immersed themselves with workshops on art and storytelling sessions laid emphasis on attire draping by project associates of Forgotten Folklore Project.
The day also witnessed several book launch sessions of Pahsyntiew: A Folktale from Meghalaya by Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) adapted by Amayda Eden Syiem and artwork by Casper Syiem. A book ‘Ka Sohlyngem and other forgotten songs by H Teslet Pariat and ‘Bird Folktales of Meghalaya for Children’ and ‘Guide to Birds of Meghalaya’ compiled and adapted by Dr. Glenn C. Kharkongor, with Khasi translations by Dr. Evarisha Mercy Syiem and illustrations by Balaiamon Kharngapkynta and Careen Joplin Langstieh were released.
Attendees were also mesmerised with the demonstration of culinary skills by Adonijah Lyngdoh, culinary expert and winner of Season 1 ‘Hills on a Plate’.
Meanwhile, performances from local talents such as Na U Bnai, Sur Na Nongkyndong and Da Minot energised the audience during the daytime. The stage was illuminated with performances by Strait Brothers, Jamelle & the Pinefolks, Leo Boys, Jessie Lyngdoh and Wanjop Sohkhlet.
Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Bajop Pyngrope and Robert Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer, The Meghalayan Age Limited among others were present at the event.
The festival is an initiative of the Department of Tourism organised by the Meghalayan Age Limited and curated by Dak_ti Craft.
