Winter Tales: Day 2
SHILLONG, Dec 12: The second day of Meghalaya’s sixth edition of the community-led annual festival “Winter Tales” on Friday transformed the iconic Wards Lake into a convergence of sustainability, storytelling, and intellectual exchange.
Building on the opening day’s momentum, Friday’s agenda broadened the festival’s exploration of this year’s theme ‘Nurture’, with a celebration of local craft, important dialogues and honouring the custodians with the ‘Go Green Awards’, offering a platform for intellectual discourse, book launches and master craftsmanship.
The workshop stage served as the epicentre for literary exploration throughout the afternoon, beginning with architect and designer Mario Pathaw’s insightful session on transforming ordinary objects into expressive characters.
The focus then shifted to the written word with book launches by MLCU Press, including Taptung Tangthu: Paite Folktales for Children, Rain U Slap, and Picnic and Pine Needles.
Pro Vice Chancellor of MLCU Dr Larilin Kharpuri highlighted the linguistic diversity of the releases, noting that all three are bilingual editions (English–Khasi and English–Paite). She confirmed that Taptung Tangthu represents the first collection of Paite folktales published by the MLCU Press. Kharpuri also used the occasion to officially launch the new MLCU Press logo, which has been incorporated into the three newly released books.
Vice Chancellor Dr AA Mao spoke on the significance of publishing literature from the region, stressing the need for institutions to nurture local voices and cultural heritage.
Mao then led the official book release, inviting children from the audience onto the stage to participate in the launch. Following the release, the authors of the three books shared brief introductions to their works, offering insights into the stories and their creative processes.
The event then transitioned into visual heritage with acclaimed photojournalist Pablo Bartholomew, who presented ‘Father & Son, Richard and Pablo Bartholomew – Affinities’, offering the audience a glimpse into a photographic dialogue spanning the 1950s to the 1980s.
The event also witnessed the handing out of the second batch of the Go Green Awards to Ebor Tariang for photography, P Cooper Kharlukhi for art and Cleric Jayden Wanniang for film. They received cheques of Rs 10,000 each.
The day also featured an interactive session with food entrepreneurs, allowing visitors to engage with the tastemakers shaping the region’s culinary landscape.
Rooted in her Khasi heritage, Ilamon Thangkhiew, who works closely with artisans in Meghalaya preserving ancestral skills while uplifting local craft communities, said the festival has grown tremendously in recent years with increased footfalls, indicating a larger spectrum of attendees coming to appreciate the exhibitors. It allows people to witness, learn and engage directly with the skills, stories, and traditions of the community.
Later in the day, the Shillong Cosplay Community took to the stage for a special musical act, bridging traditional storytelling with modern performance art.
The Master Craft Stage featured live demonstrations by the artisan communities. Visitors witnessed special presentations by Larnai Potters and the intricate bamboo work of Umwaii weavers alongside Ri-Bhoi textile artisans, Fiu Woodcraft and Walseng Wood Carvings, offering a connection of the indigenous crafts and skills.
The day culminated with soulful musical performances by Folk Instrumental Project, Larger Than 90, Ahaia, Soul Groove and Lily Sawian and DJ Banshan.
Winter Tales 2025 moves into its final day on Saturday celebrating the culmination of three days of culture, community and craft.
