Shillong, Dec 22: Different tribal communities gathered at Mawiong recently for ANICE, the All Northeast India Christmas Extravaganza.
ANICE is a Christmas-season gathering that brings together Christian communities from across the North East. It serves as a platform where different tribes share their unique ways of celebrating Christmas through culture, cuisine, music and art. The event is organised by Anything Northeast, a community-oriented platform that focuses on celebrating the identity, diversity and shared stories of the region.
The second edition of the event was held over three days on December 18-20 at Solicom Valley Park & Resort, Mawiong. Designed as an inclusive space, the programme welcomed participants, invitees, artists and visitors from various tribes and regions of the North East.
The first day of ANICE 2 opened with a sense of togetherness rather than formality. Music flowed naturally through the space, with guitars and voices blending effortlessly, creating moments where sound became a shared language. Conversations throughout the day reflected the diversity of the region.
Representatives from various tribes of Meghalaya – Khasi, Garo, Jaintia, Biate – as well as other communities from across the region were present, each contributing to a shared collective spirit while retaining their individuality.
Alongside performances and fellowship, local entrepreneurs from different areas set up stalls showcasing traditional art, crafts, food, and handmade designs. Bamboo handicrafts, Christmas decorations, unique local tea brews and traditional cookies were displayed and sold. Cakes made from Lakadong turmeric, jajew and neiiong, decorated with Christmas and winter themes, reflected the rich culinary heritage of the region. These were not merely items for sale, but expressions of tradition, memory and cultural identity.
