By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 23: Shillong’s Christmas celebrations have been significantly enhanced by the successful debut of the city’s first-ever Wine Carnival, which is drawing enthusiastic crowds and highlighting Meghalaya’s emerging fruit wine culture.
The maiden Shillong Wine Carnival, held at the State Central Library premises alongside the annual Christmas Carnival, concludes on Wednesday. The event has received a strong response from both locals and visiting tourists, adding a new dimension to the city’s year-end festivities.
The Wine Carnival is a joint effort organised by Only Bees, the Arts and Culture Department, and the Tourism Department. The Meghalaya Fruit Wine Makers’ Association (MFWMA) played a central role in coordinating local wine producers for the event.
MFWMA Secretary Riboksius Nongspung described the carnival as a timely and meaningful platform for the region’s wine makers.
“This is the right platform for us to start an event like this. We hope that from next year, it will be much bigger,” Nongspung said. He noted that about ten wine stalls have been set up, alongside nearly 25 other stalls, including various food outlets.
Inviting the public to attend, Nongspung thanked the Arts and Culture Department for providing the opportunity to host the event in the heart of Shillong, adding: “I would like to invite locals and visitors alike to enjoy wine, live entertainment, and festive cheer.”
MFWMA Vice-President BI Shylla echoed this sentiment, calling the debut a proud moment for local fruit wine makers. “It is a great day for our association to be able to host this carnival for the first time,” he said.
Chimmon Pakma, Chairman and CEO of Only Bees, noted that the Shillong Wine Carnival has significantly improved the overall appeal of the Christmas festivities.
“People visiting the carnival can taste various kinds of wine. We have set up extensive décor and stalls, with a strong focus on Christmas themes,” Pakma said, adding that live performances by artists from MGMP have enriched the atmosphere.
The inclusion of the wine festival has been a hit with visitors. P. Deka, a tourist from Assam, remarked that the carnival is now much bigger and more exciting. “The exquisite wine breweries with free tasting are a very interesting addition,” he said.
Local resident Donbok Lyngdoh highlighted the social impact, noting that the combination of art and cultural activities has helped strengthen community bonds. Another visitor, Jyoti Agarwal, said the blend of wine tasting, music, and cultural experiences has made the Wine Carnival one of the highlights of this festive season.
By blending local flavours, culture, and Christmas cheer, the first-ever Shillong Wine Carnival has not only created a major new attraction but has successfully opened doors for Meghalaya’s fruit wine makers to reach a wider audience.
