Shillong, Dec 11: The sixth edition of the Winter Tales themed, “Nurture” began today at the iconic Ward’s Lake to celebrate culture, craft, community and land.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira, who inaugurated the three-day festival, described the event as far more than a festival, calling it a “cultural movement” rooted in the skills and traditions of the people.
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 Minister said the imagery captures the essence of Meghalaya where hands “create, cook, sing, feel, and build,” not just for livelihood but for heritage and continuity.
Shira stressed 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.
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 Nicholas J Kharnami who was awarded the ‘Green Ambassador Award’ receiving a cheque of Rs 20,000. 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 10,000 each.
Several engaging sessions and book launches were also lined up in the workshop stage.
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 will continue to host a diverse mix of music, workshops, live art and interactive sessions.
