By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 21: The cancellation of the iconic Christmas Extravaganza at Moolamylliang village in East Jaintia Hills has challenged the Meghalaya government’s claims of promoting the state as a premier tourist destination. For the first time since the event’s inception, the village has been forced to call off its famous Christmas light celebrations due to the deplorable condition of the approach road.
Over the past few years, Moolamylliang has become a fixture on Meghalaya’s tourism map, earning recognition for its community-led environmental initiatives and elaborate festive displays. The annual festival, launched in 2019 to boost local tourism, typically draws thousands of visitors from across the Khasi Hills and beyond.
However, the Dorbar Shnong announced that the seventh season will not be held this year, citing safety concerns and excessive dust caused by the badly damaged road leading to the village. Village authorities stated that the deteriorating infrastructure made it impossible to set up decorations or ensure a pleasant experience for visitors.
Rangbah Shnong of Moolamylliang, Apmon Pachiang, said the decision was taken with great reluctance. “We are forced to stop the light decorations because of the extremely poor condition of the road. The dust is unbearable, and it has become very difficult for the shnong to carry out preparations,” Pachiang said. He noted that visitors often arrive in festive attire, only to have their clothes and footwear covered in dust upon arrival.
According to village authorities, the road has deteriorated significantly over the last three years. While the village does not blame the local MLA, Santa Mary Shylla—who has been in office for two and a half years—Pachiang pointed out that previous representatives failed to address the issue.
The current MLA has reportedly assured the village that the road will be repaired in the coming years. “Once the road construction is completed, we will resume the Christmas light decorations,” Pachiang added, expressing hope that the work would be finished by 2026.
The festival, which usually runs from December 18 to January 3, has also become a source of local revenue. Since 2022, the village has charged a modest entry fee to cover maintenance costs and wages. The suspension of the event marks a significant economic loss and a blow to the village’s growing identity as a holiday hub.
Residents and visitors from across the region have expressed disappointment, noting that the Moolamylliang lights had become a staple of the Khasi Hills’ festive season. The Dorbar Shnong has now appealed to the state authorities to expedite road repairs to ensure the tradition can return in the near future.
