Let's dive (deep) into the Culture of Meghalaya and Rejuvenate Ourselves with its Natural Beauty.
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In this article, we will know about the beautiful culture of Meghalaya and how the beauty of this state can make you mesmerised.
We have thoroughly researched the fascinating history, culture, festivals, and everything that rejuvenates you after a trip to Meghalaya. We have even collected testimonials from humans of Meghalaya.
Let's dive right in..
The states of North Eastern India are just some hidden gems,and of them is Meghalaya. The divine beauty of North-East states can amaze you to the utmost level. Meghalaya, a small state by size, is one of the biggest gems when it comes to the heartwarming beauty of the land.
Everything about Meghalaya, from the culture of Meghalaya to festivals of Meghalaya or the history of Meghalaya, is very interesting and beautiful.
All these stories are surely going to give you a feeling of a wholesome ride through the roads of this beautiful state.
Meghalaya is known as the Scotland of Eastern India
The rich history of the state of Meghalaya is hidden deep in its mountains.
Let's dive deep into it,
Before knowing more about the heartwarming beauty of Meghalaya, we must also share with you the history of this state.
“Scotland of the east” – this was the nickname that the British imperial authority gave to Shillong, capital of Meghalaya, during their 200 years of ruling period. English is the official language of Meghalaya.
The state was formed by carving out two districts from the state of Assam on 21st January 1972.
There is different evidence that proves that people have lived in Meghalaya since the new stone age. There are various Neolithic sites in the state which enrich the history of Meghalaya.
The Lum Sohpetbneng area of Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district is one such Neolithic site.
Key Takeaway
The state was formed on 21st January 1972 and has different Neolithic sites to visit. The capital of the state was also called “Scotland of the east” By the Britishers.
Meghalaya will truly Fascinate You because of its Culture
The people of Meghalaya are known to be very friendly and sweet. The residents of this state are very attracted to music and dance.
There are people from different tribes who live in this state. The main inhabitant tribes of this state are the Khasis, the Garos, and the Jaintias.
The harmony between the different tribes will surely make you more interested in the culture of Meghalaya.
A common tradition binds all the three tribes together, and that system is the matrilineal system. In this system, the lineage and inheritance are traced through the younger daughter of a family.
If there is no daughter in the bloodline, then one has to nominate any other female as the heir of the property.
Key Takeaway
Music and dance is an integral part of their culture. Often the daughter inherits the family properties.
'U Blei Jong thaw': The Supreme god of Meghalaya
Festivals of Meghalaya
The Khasis believe in one god, ‘U Blei Jong thaw’, who is the supreme god and the creator. The centre of all culture of Khasis is dance contributing to the incredible popularity of music and dance of Meghalaya.
Dance performances are done in Shnong (village), a Raid (group of villages), and a Hima (a conglomeration of Raids).
Their festivals include Ka-Shad Shyngwiang-Thangiap, ShadBeh Sier, Umsan Nongkharai and others
Even though the Jaintias are a bit influenced by Hinduism, their religion is the same as the Khasis. There are different festivals of the Jaintias community, which include Laho Dance, Behdienkhlam etc.
The Garos have faith in only one god – Rabuga, who is the supreme creator, sustainer and commander of the world. Every other spirit is the representative of the supreme commander. The Festival is a means to sustain their rich cultural heritage for the Garos.
Dore Rata Dance, Wangala, Chambil Mesara, and Ja Megapa are some of the most famous festivals of the Garos.
Art and crafts of Meghalaya
Let's dig in
Other than their love for dance and music, the people of Meghalaya are also greatly obsessed with art and culture. Art and crafts of Meghalaya are also very popular all over India.
Different types of weaving and wood carving are an integral part of the life of the people and culture of Meghalaya. Weaving on cloth or cane is a very popular thing in Meghalaya.
People are very interested and also skilled in handicrafts in the state. Different arts made out of wood carving can leave you spellbound.
The people of the Khasi tribe are very skilled in weaving baskets and cane mats. They also make domestic knives and utensils. The weaving materials that are important for making dresses are designed mainly by the Garo tribe.
There are different kinds of beautiful basket and mat crafts made from bamboo in Meghalaya. Khasis and Garos both are very skilled in bamboo arts.
Fishing traps made of bamboo sticks by the “Jaintia” people are renowned for their beauty.
The diversity of art and culture of Meghalaya includes silk weaving, manufacturing of ornaments and also musical instruments.
The amazing quality of art made by the people of Meghalaya is undoubtedly going to melt your heart if you visit this beautiful land in your upcoming holidays.
Pot Shots of Meghalaya
The food culture of Meghalaya
Meghalayan cuisine is also very delicious. The everyday diet of these people includes rice with spicy meat and fish preparations.
Jadoh, Ki Kpu, tung rymbai, and pickled bamboo shoots are the main dishes of the Khasis and Jaintias.
The people of the Garo community have rice with kapa, prepared with a particular ingredient called purambhi masala.
Garos also eat both non-domesticated and domesticated animals.
Nakham Bitchi, Pumaloi, Pudoh, Sakin Gata, and Dohneiiong are some of the most popular dishes of Meghalaya.
Humans of Meghalaya
Know their Story
Jade (aka thatgoangirl) quotes, it was my first time in the North East and the beauty blew me away!
I visited Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Mawlynnong; each place offered a different experience.
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Shillong was entirely commercial and modern, but it was nice to understand the diversity of Meghalaya, see how fashion-forward the state is, taste some Khasi food, and more.
Jade (aka thatgoangirl)
Cherapunji has been on my bucket list since I was a child, and visiting what was formerly the wettest place on earth was surreal.
Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, was another exciting place that proves that humans can keep our surroundings clean if we work together and have a good civic sense.
Namrata Debroy (aka feedthestyle.blog) recalls a memory from her student days, “I wasn’t a traveler but a student there, so I stayed for three years in Shillong and got the opportunity to visit numerous tourist destinations during my stay.
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Shillong is a blessing in a paradise in disguise. As the name says, Scotland of the East, it’s no less than Scotland, the beauty.
Namrata Debroy (aka feedthestyle.blog)
Everyone should take the opportunity to travel to Meghalaya to witness the absolute gorgeousness.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell:
If your never-ending workload or any other stress is disturbing your holistic well-being, then just pack your bags and start your journey to Meghalaya.
The scenic beauty, complemented by the people and culture of Meghalaya, is undoubtedly going to help you to make you feel recharged within a small time.
While you will explore the root bridge, waterfalls and caves in the morning, reading the articles of The One Liner in the evening will make your holiday a lifetime memory.
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very nice place