The sixth edition of Winter Tales 2025 opened today at Ward’s Lake, Shillong, bringing together artisans, musicians, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners for a three-day community-led festival. Organised by The Meghalayan Age Limited and curated by Dak-ti, the event is an initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, and will run till December 13.
This year’s theme, “Nurture”, highlights the interconnectedness of culture, craft, community and land. The festival also incorporates the “Five Fingers” imagery, symbolising how hands preserve indigenous knowledge, shape traditions and sustain livelihoods.
Tourism Minister Shri Timothy D. Shira inaugurated the festival with a walkthrough, joined by artisans and the ‘Kner Sha Ki – Kid’s Choir’. Speaking at the opening, he described Winter Tales as a “cultural movement”, noting that Meghalaya’s heritage “lives in the hands of the artisan”. He stressed the event’s focus on sustainability through the use of bamboo, jute, clay and other natural materials, calling it one of the state’s most eco-conscious public festivals.
The opening day featured performances by YouTuber Paduh Aki and the Shillong Cosplay Community, along with book launches and interactive sessions. Releases included From Shillong to Saigon, Market Places as Crossroads of Culture by the Northeast India AV Archive, and talks on nutrition and waste management.
The first set of Go Green Awards was also presented. Shri Nicholas J. Kharnami received the Green Ambassador Award (Rs 20,000). Awards of Rs 10,000 each were given to Iaineshkhem SHG (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), Eco Club of LEADS Higher Secondary School (Sustainability Cell), and Joshua Rayner Lyngdoh (Installations).
Evening performances by Sur Na Nongkyndong, Jameer & Mel, Echora, Kata Nisa and Dub Fader concluded the first day. Parallel workshops showcased live demonstrations in pottery, weaving, bamboo craft, woodwork and painting.
Over the next two days, Winter Tales will host sessions with artist Mario Pathaw, book launches by Martin Luther Christian University Press, a photography segment by Pablo Bartholomew, and storytelling and culinary sessions by noted scholars and chefs. Performances by local bands including Larger Than 90, Ahaia The Band, Soul Groove, Maya Lyngdoh, Blue Temptations and Khasi Bloodz will continue through the evenings.
An expansive Artisanal Market has also been set up, featuring handwoven textiles, cane and bamboo craft, woodwork, pottery, indigenous cuisine and local brews. A key artistic attraction this year is the Cyanotype March – “50 Years of Meghalaya in Light and Time” by Conrad Syiem, marking five decades of the state’s journey.
Winter Tales remains one of Meghalaya’s flagship community-driven festivals, built around zero-waste practices and organic structures. The inaugural day was attended by Tourism Minister Shri Timothy D. Shira, Director of Tourism Smt. Brenda Lee Pakyntein, MAL Chief Administrative Officer Shri Robert Lyngdoh, Dak-ti founder Smt. Rida Gatphoh and officials from the Tourism Department and MAL.
