The festival is govt’s vision of promoting sustainable tourism, community-driven economic growth and identity-based development, says tourism minister
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 11: Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira on Thursday inaugurated the sixth edition of Meghalaya’s flagship Christmas-season festival, Winter Tales 2025, as he revealed that the same aligns with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable tourism, community-driven economic growth and identity-based development.
Held at the iconic Ward’s Lake, the festival unfolded in a vibrant display of culture, creativity and sustainability.
In his address, the tourism minister described the venue as “one of the most iconic spaces” that has once again transformed into a celebration of community craftsmanship and environmental consciousness.
“Over the past six years, Winter Tales has grown into far more than a festival. It has become a cultural movement—rooted in the hands, skills and story traditions of our people,” Shira said.
This year’s theme, ‘Five Fingers’, honours the diverse ways the people of Meghalaya create—through weaving, cooking, crafting, singing and storytelling.
According to the tourism minister, every stall, installation, performance and recipe forms a “living book of indigenous knowledge”, offering a glimpse into the state’s rich heritage.
“Winter Tales is unique because everything here is handmade, handpicked and handcrafted. All of it is deeply connected to our land, our forests and our communities,” he added.
Shira emphasised that culture in Meghalaya “does not exist only on the stage”, but thrives in daily practices, intergenerational knowledge and the lived experiences of its people.
True to its ethos, Winter Tales continues to champion eco-friendly practices. The venue showcases installations made from bamboo, jute, cane, clay and wood, reflecting the festival’s commitment to minimising waste and reducing plastic use.
This year marks the introduction of the Go Green Awards, an initiative to honour individuals, groups and communities contributing to ecological awareness and responsible living. “These awards shine a light on the changemakers of Meghalaya. We are not just recognising them; we are inspiring many more,” Shira said.
Award categories include film, art, community-led initiatives, eco-friendly installations, sustainable food practices, photography, writing and more—each spotlighting Meghalaya’s evolving sustainability movement.
The tourism minister also expressed pride that Winter Tales has consistently remained “a festival of Meghalaya, by Meghalaya, and for Meghalaya”, with all participants—from designers and chefs to performers and artisans—sourced locally.
It may be mentioned that the workshops and craft demonstrations at the venue offer visitors direct interaction with artisans, giving them the opportunity to learn traditional techniques and understand the cultural stories behind each creation.
“This is not simply tourism. This is knowledge sharing, community empowerment and living heritage,” the tourism minister added.
Shira also said that the Winter Tales aligns with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable tourism, community-driven economic growth and identity-based development. “Winter Tales stands as one of our strongest platforms for eco-tourism and responsible travel. We want every visitor to leave with a deeper understanding of who we are and how we live in harmony with our natural world,” he said.
Shira lauded the organisers—Meghalaya Age Limited, the Tourism Department, curators, partners, volunteers and artisans—for their continued efforts in shaping the festival.
The tourism minister also assured that the government remains committed to supporting Meghalaya’s creative communities across India and beyond.
It may be mentioned that the festival will culminate on Saturday, featuring handmade crafts, local cuisines, performances and eco-focused installations—each telling a story of heritage, resilience and community spirit.
