Shillong, Dec 12: The 5th edition of the Winter Tales 2024 was inaugurated today by Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Tourism Minister in the presence of Shri Cyril VD Diengdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism, at the iconic Ward’s Lake, Shillong.
The festival is an initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, organised by the Meghalayan Age Limited and curated by Dak_ti Craft.
Centred around the theme, ‘Balance’, this 3-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 in our lives.
This year the festival will run till December 14, 2024 showcasing creative solutions that exemplify the balance between progress and preservation, encouraging a collective commitment to a more sustainable future.
Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Tourism Minister stated “Today we are here to celebrate the fifth edition of Winter Tales 2024. The event started off in a very humble way. Today, it attracts artisans, arteliers and weavers from all across the 12 districts of the state. This is nothing short of a miracle.”
He expressed his gratitude to the Department of Tourism and all stakeholders involved. He stated that the greenery around us should inspire and remind us of the importance of responsible tourism.
Lyngdoh also announced that in the month of 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 Hon’ble Minister and dignitaries also handed over the Go-Green Awards across different categories recognising the outstanding commitment to sustainability.
Day 1 of the festival included exciting line up at both main stage and workshop stage. At the main stage, panel discussions were held exploring ‘The art of balancing traditional while making space for contemporary’.
On the other hand, at the workshop stage, art enthusiasts fully immersed themselves with workshop on art and storytelling session laid emphasis on attire draping by project associates of Forgotten Folklore Project.
The day 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.
Secondly, a book ‘Ka Sohlyngem and other forgotten songs by H TesletPariat was launched. Other piece included ‘Bird Folktales of Meghalaya for Children’ and ‘Guide to Birds of Meghalaya’. Moreover, the crowd was mesmerised to see 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 dayrime. As the day broke, the stage was illuminated with performances by Strait Brothers, Jamelle& the Pinefolks, Leo Boys, Jessie Lyngdoh and WanjopSohkhlet.
Winter Tales 2024, which was conceptualised by Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, in 2020 has grown into a flagship programme that celebrates the State’s cultural diversity and promotes sustainable tourism practices.
Other dignitaries present included Shri BajopPyngrope, Hon’ble MDC of Rambrai-Jyrngam, and Shri Robert Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer, The Meghalayan Age Limited among others.
