From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, Nov 4: The last quarter of the year is always the time for merry-making all over the country, especially in the multicultural and multiethnic Meghalaya, as the festival season commences this month to continue until the end of the year.
However, the ‘Winter Tales’ that began in 2020 in the banks of famous Ward’s Lake promises to be different, more veering round art, music, environment and even philanthropy.
Organised by The Meghalayan Age Limited and curated by Dak-ti, Micro enterprise of the state, the three-day event will begin on December 14 and aims to be a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their talent in music, crafts, arts, food, weaving, and more.
One specialty about the festival is that it will be environment friendly and use solar lights.
At the same time, a part of the proceeds from the Winter Tales will be given to charity.
The unique practice was appreciated by state Cabinet Minster Ampareen Lyngdoh, who graced the curtain raiser conference in the national capital at the premises of Meghalayan Age Store.
A retrospective video was screened, chronicling the journey of Winter Tales from its inception in 2020 to its current grandeur at the beginning of the conference.
Addressing the conference Lyngdoh said, “If you see the city of Shillong today and 10 years back, you will know that we are slowly regrouping and retreating to what our forefathers have taught us in our everyday lives. In such a small space, you can literally see what Meghalaya is, as soon as you enter the doors of our store. This is a project which requires necessary handholding, they also managed to showcase some of our spices, honey, essential oils, and these are all things which are our pride.”
She also unveiled a calendar for the new year titled “Meghalayan Scapes” featuring artwork by P. Kharlukhi, a regular contributor to Winter Tales.
This calendar serves as a visual journey through the diverse landscapes of Meghalaya, highlighting its beauty and rich cultural heritage.
And like all festivals, the conference started with musical performances by Rida Gatphoh founder of Dakti, a platform for artisans of Meghalaya.