By Zenovia Alethea Hujon
SHILLONG, Dec 14: Winter Tales, the three-day festival held at Wards Lake, Shillong between December 14 and 16, is an annual event held to celebrate the local art, food, music, and culture with further promotion of sustainability. The festival, kicked off by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh as the chief guest, saw a great start with grand performances which brought crowds out of their homes and into the cold air, bobbing their heads to the warm music.
The festival was adamant about zero-waste, prompting the visitors to carry their own cutlery and to reuse plates and cups. Though there was a line-up of photography and art portrayed on the leafed passage walls, the most eye-catching display of all was of the use of Khoh as waste bins.
The Khoh, a rough basket made of closed bamboo weaves has been employed by Khasi people for years in thriving markets, and has now grown into a symbol of sustainability in Meghalaya. Not only were these contraptions segregated between plastic, paper, and wet waste, there was also a unique way of marking the territory with bamboo to present the Khasi culture in addition to encouraging festival-goers to manage their own waste and go green.
“Coming from a nature-based community myself, I think it is a great way to showcase our roots, ” said Chubasenla Jamir, a 23-year-old student hailing from Nagaland, travelling all the way to consume the Shillong atmosphere and experience Khasi tradition to the fullest. “It’s more than just a display, I think it’s very valuable in a time of modernisation and innovation.”
The indigenous implement has also alleviated the work of the volunteers, as the festival emphasises on an eco-friendly path, freeing labourers of picking up litter and maintaining a scenic view of the event. “It has definitely reduced the waste compared to the other festivals I’ve been a part of. The use of Khoh is especially intimate when it comes to our tradition and culture.” said Amelia Sohkhlet, a volunteer at Winter Tales. The Khoh has become a unique accessory of Meghalaya, and people all over the country and the world recognise its utility and beauty.
