SHILLONG, Dec 26: This year, Christmas in Shillong transformed from a quiet religious observance into a city-wide carnival. Carol groups, families, tourists, and revellers turned the streets into a moving festival of music and cheer from early evening until well past midnight. The capital wore a festive glow, with the heart of the celebrations converging at Khyndai Lad, which emerged as the undisputed epicentre of the revelry.
Carol singing formed the backbone of the festivities. Groups from various localities moved through the city on foot and in decorated vehicles, many adorned with festive lights. As the processions made their way toward Khyndai Lad, the atmosphere steadily built up, culminating in a lively, centralised gathering.
Khyndai Lad, already brightly decorated, became even more enchanting as music echoed and crowds swelled. The combined glow of public displays and lights on moving vehicles lent the central area a distinctively celebratory character.
During the Midnight Mass at the Catholic Cathedral, Bishop Victor addressed the congregation, stating that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolized the victory of light over darkness.
Participation was strikingly diverse, blurring the lines between organised carolling and free-flowing celebration.
The crowds included children, youth, elderly residents, church groups, and spontaneous groups of friends. Many wore Santa Claus outfits and distributed sweets, while some revellers even danced atop slow-moving vehicles, turning traffic stretches into improvised stages.
Music remained central. Alongside traditional hymns and carols, local favourites added a regional flavour, notably the song “Basti jabo dei time ahisay,” which drew loud cheers and enthusiastic sing-alongs. Tourists visiting for the holiday season were visibly captivated by the energy of the public celebration. Many were seen recording videos and joining in the spontaneous revelry, describing the uninhibited participation as a highlight of their stay.
Khyndai Lad and other decorated city areas continued to draw crowds late into the night, with midnight greetings exchanged across Shillong.
Traffic congestion was noticeable, particularly along the stretch from Barik towards Khyndai Lad. Despite the long queues of slowed vehicles, the festive mood remained intact, as people waited in their cars or stepped out briefly to watch the passing carol groups.
Overall, the celebrations were defined by strong public participation and a shared sense of collective festivity. The holiday season continues as residents prepare for New Year festivities, coinciding with a high influx of tourists arriving in Meghalaya for the extended festive period.
