Meghalaya, like any other state in India, loves its festivals. Apart from the common religious festivals, Meghalaya celebrates other cultural aspects as well with equal gusto such as music, sports, film, and literature.  

From October to December, Meghalaya plays host to over 10 festivals that celebrate life, culture, nature, and food. Make sure to plan your visit to this state so that it coincides with one of the festivals. 

FESTIVAL CALENDAR

MEGHA KAYAK FEST

This whitewater competition will get your heart pumping as you will see over 100 kayakers from around the world compete in 3 different types of whitewater races for a staggering US$ 20,000 prize money. Professionals will compete in the giant slalom, extreme boater-cross, and time-trial races. 

The festival aims to promote adventure tourism and encourage female participation in adventure sports. 

Venue: Whitewater Village, Umtham, Meghalaya (45-min drive from Shillong)

Dates: October 13th-16th

SHILLONG AUTUMN FESTIVAL 

A stage for top music artists, festival attendees will be treated to a range of music genres such as hip hop, rock, and EDM. Apart from music, the festival offers local cuisine, locally made wine, and crafts that are characteristic to the state. 

Venue: Umiam Lake

Dates: October 29th-30th  

NORTH EAST OLYMPICS GAMES

The 2nd edition of the North East Olympics Games will see around 4000 sportspersons from all the 8 northeast India states compete in 18 Olympic sports disciplines across various venues in the city. Games include archery, swimming, basketball, boxing, cycling, wrestling, athletics, and more.

Venue: Shillong 

Dates: October 30th-November 6th

UMIAM BOATING REGATTA

Umiam Lake will see the first-ever boating contest this year. The Umiam Boating Regatta will comprise a series of boating competitions, with around 1500 boats expected to participate in the event.  

Venue: Umiam Lake 

Dates: November 2nd-6th

Umiam Lake

HILLS FESTIVAL 

This arts & culture festival is a 2-day event that will see music performances from global artists, sustainable designs, and local cuisine. This is the perfect event to familiarise yourselves with the tribes of Meghalaya, their customs, artisans, and musicians.

Venue: Umiam Lake 

Dates: November 4th & 5th

SHILLONG CHERRY BLOSSOM

Held during the blossoming of the cherry blossom trees in Shillong, this festival celebrates the traditional and modern aspects of Meghalaya culture. Various events are held at multiple venues, including Wards’ Lake and the JN Sports Complex. 

The Literary Festival and Mega Music Festival which were previously held along with the Cherry Blossom festival will be held separately this time.

Venue: Shillong

Dates: November 17th-26th (Literary Festival: November 21st-23rd | Mega Music Festival November 17th-19th)

Cherry Blossom Festival

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Aiming to foster a cinematic culture in Shillong, the International Film Festival will screen around 75 films and documentaries, and give tourists a taste of regional talent. Workshops and activities will also be held as part of the festival. 

Venue: Shillong

Dates: December 12-16th

WINTER TALES FESTIVAL

An initiative of Dakti Crafts, this festival celebrates food, art, craft, and music of the local communities of Meghalaya. It serves as an important platform for new entrepreneurs, giving way to creative products and raising awareness of new talents. 

Venue: Shillong

Dates: December 12-17th

NONGKREM DANCE FESTIVAL

Held in the courtyard of the Nongkrem Syiem or chief's residence, this annual dance festival is celebrated to appease the goddess, Lei Shyllong, the deity of Shillong Peak. Animal sacrifice is part of the ceremony, which is followed by dances.

Venue: Smit Village

Dates: November 6th 

Nongkrem Dance Festival

WANGALA FESTIVAL (100 DRUMS FESTIVAL) 

This post-harvest thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Garo tribe of Meghalaya marks the end of toil and the start of winter. Saljong, the Sun-God of fertility, is worshipped on this day. Apart from witnessing the ceremonies of “Ragula” and “Kakkat,” festival attendees are regaled with costumed dances and delicious local cuisine. Try the indigenous Garo rice beer called Bitchi, which is served during festivals and important events.

Venue: Asanang village near Tura

Dates: November 9th-11th

100 drums festival

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