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India.com
27-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Experience The Magic Of Shillong's Traditional Weddings: A Must-See
Shillong functions as the capital of Indian northeastern state Meghalaya and receives the 'Scotland of the East' nickname because its natural beauty resembles Scottish landscapes with its gentle rolling terrains. Shillong stands out because of its cultural heritage that illuminates wedding ceremonies throughout the town. Traditions and cultural practices of the Khasi and Jaintia and Garo tribes dominate these prominent ceremonies held by the residents of this area. The traditional wedding ceremonies in Shillong transform into an all-encompassing experience which combines music and dance elements together with true rituals and delectable dietary experiences to create something truly exceptional. Matrilineal Society: A Unique Foundation In Shillong traditional weddings take shape from a matrilineal society structure that remains strong among residents of the Khasi tribe. In this social structure, lineage and inheritance pass through the mother's side, making women central figures in family life. The wedding ceremony exhibits significant impacts from this practice as it determines both family agreements about alliance formation and split of responsibilities. Traditional wedding functions in Shillong see the bride's family leading the event organization although both families participate actively. The understanding of traditional family roles deepens our experience of traditional weddings when attending them in this region. Rituals: Building Anticipation The Shillong tradition of marriage starts with various cultural rituals leading to the main wedding festivity. Both families gather for Pynlong Kaba as elder members meet to finalize marriage terms. The gathering represents the critical role of shared respect and shared consensus which drives the community forward. Wedding traditions in Shillong include the exchange of presents as a custom which demonstrates intimate family links between both households. These initial ceremonies build up excitement among family members as they solidify family relationships just before the major celebration starts. Main Ceremony: Vibrant and Meaningful On the actual wedding day guests witness a display of traditional customs which combine vibrant colors with profound emotional tendencies. Traditional Shillong weddings differ from Western traditions because they avoid using church ceremonies together with white gowns in their celebrations. Traditional weddings choose straightforward expressions rather than formal ones while emphasizing genuine heritage representations. and Decorations Traditionally bridal parties choose between Jainsem or Dhara as wedding attire which are handmade with intricate patterns across the garments. The outfits are enhanced through wedding jewelry crafted from gold and silver metals to showcase the artisanal skills of this region. Grooms normally wear dhotis as their main garment along with embroidered shawls and jackets. The celebration space features flowers and bamboo structures along with multi-colored fabrics which generate an atmosphere that matches the happy event. Rituals The central tradition in this wedding ceremony appears when the groom's mother's brother ties the turban as a symbolic gesture during the 'Ka Pnong Tung' ritual. The transfer of both obligations and blessings travels from oldest members to their succeeding generations during this ceremony. The bride receives blessings from both sides of her family when her maternal uncles participate in the ritual which demonstrates the importance of maternal bonds in Khasi customs. Sharing 'Kyat' represents an essential wedding tradition because it involves drinking sacred rice beer brewed from rice. Kyat, which people drink from bamboo cups, symbolizes the positive relationships between different families during the wedding ceremony. Guests conduct this tradition which strengthens their community bonds. and Dance: Celebrating Life Every wedding celebration in Shillong requires both music and dancing performances to be legitimate. The atmosphere becomes celebratory when people play traditional music through drums and flutes. Traditional cultural celebrations can be observed through performances of the Nongkrem Dance together with the Lahoo Dance which showcase local dance energy. This traditional entertainment holds religious value because it establishes powerful connections between wedding guests and their family traditions and ancestors. and Hospitality: A Taste of Meghalaya Cuisine Food holds complete importance during every Shillong wedding ceremony. Multiple traditional dishes prepared by local cooks with great affection form the feast dining options. Traditional Meghalaya cuisine brings together the mouthwatering flavors of Jadoh rice with pork and Doh Khleh salad and Tungrymbai fermented soybean curry. The celebration receives its sweetness through Pukhlein which consists of sweet fried bread. The cultural hospitality extends liberally to all wedding guests in demonstration of traditional community values. Traditions: Strengthening Bonds Following the primary wedding rituals both couples and their distant families remain connected through additional wedding traditions. Following their marriage rites the newlyweds will pay visits to their loved ones for both blessings and to express their joy. Families through these gatherings keep building the union's importance by showing support for the newlyweds to people outside their primary family group. What Makes It Special? A traditional wedding in Shillong develops its distinctiveness through multiple essential factors. All wedding elements in this region showcase its traditional cultural heritage by demonstrating genuine indigenous practices to visitors. Traditional weddings in Shillong bring communities together as members progressively work together in all ceremony stages to build a powerful bond among participants. The weddings operate through a matrilineal system which differs from traditional Indian customs because this system redefines traditional family structures through unique perspectives about gender dynamics. Such marriages often create a beautiful image by using Shillong's natural landscape scenery. Very friendly reception accompanies each visitor to create space where strangers quickly transform into cherished members of the community. Conclusion Traditional Shillong weddings unite two souls but also showcase local heritage while connecting people to longstanding cultural practices. Every stage of a wedding celebration belongs to tradition as proper rituals surround both namtara and post-ceremony activities. Pure observation of these liaisons offers all visitors definitive knowledge regarding how Meghalayans exist and approach the world. The event demonstrates that traditional customs can live alongside contemporary society because they allow preservation of cultural heritage and accommodation of modern developments. Hold any such event dear to your heart because your experience will create an unshakable inner impression.
United News of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Two youths arrested in Meghalaya for supporting Pakistan
Shillong, May 18 (UNI) Two youths were arrested in Meghalaya's North Garo Hills district on charges of supporting Pakistan, an official said on Sunday. Silgring D. Sangma of village Chorebolbok and Asbath B. Marak of village Chambildam under Bajengdoba police station were nabbed on Saturday. The two persons can be seen shouting and spreading message in Garo language filled with religious hatred and sloganeering against India and supporting and provoking attacks against India by Pakistan, Swapnil Pawar, the district police chief of North Garo Hills district. He said the video from the Facebook account of Silgring D Sangma recently went viral on platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. 'The content of the video is against the sovereignty and integrity of India, especially looking at the sensitivity of the current situation,' Pawar said. Meanwhile, police are interrogating the two accused, even as police have registered a case under section 152/197(1)(d) BNS, 2023. UNI RRK ARN
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
2 held in Meghalaya for circulating ‘anti-India' video on social media
Shillong: Two persons were arrested by police in the North Garo Hills district on Saturday for allegedly circulating an anti-India video , promoting hatred on social media and supporting Pakistan. North Garo Hills SP Swapnil Pawar said in a statement that a video from the Facebook account, 'Silgring D Sangma Sangma', went viral on social media platforms such as Facebook and Whatsapp wherein two persons can be seen shouting and spreading message in Garo language filled with religious hatred and sloganeering against India and supporting and provoking attacks against India by Pakistan. The authorities have viewed the content of the video as serious threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country, especially in the light of the current sensitive situation. Following the viral spread of the video, the district administration of North Garo Hills had filed a complaint at Bajengdoba Police Station on May 15. A case was subsequently registered under Bajengdoba PS Case No 14/2025, citing violations under Sections 152 and 197(1)(d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. During the investigation, North Garo Hills District police apprehended the two individuals identified as Silgring D Sangma from Chorebolbok village and Asbath B Marak from Chambildam village, both under the jurisdiction of Bajengdoba Police Station. Further investigation into the case is underway, police officials said.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Digital aid for Khasi, Garo to pull down language barriers
Shillong: Govt of Meghalaya signed an MoU with the Digital India Bhashini Division , Union ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), to launch and integrate Garo and Khasi languages into the BHASHINI platform. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of CM Conrad Sangma and minister of art and culture, Paul Lyngdoh. Also present were distinguished members of the Khasi Literature Society and A'chik Literature Society. BHASHINI, a flagship initiative under the Digital India programme, envisions leveraging cutting-edge natural language technologies to build a diverse and inclusive ecosystem that transcends language barriers. Already implemented in 22 Indian languages, the inclusion of Garo and Khasi will now enable Meghalaya to join a select group of states making their indigenous languages digitally accessible across the nation. "Who could imagine that one day, through the power of Artificial Intelligence, we would be able to digitally translate what we say and understand what it means? Technology today has reached a level that was once unimaginable. This step will have a profound impact across all aspects of society and governance, from grassroots communication to enhancing tourism, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare," the CM said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo Highlighting the broader implications, he added, "This initiative will revolutionise how govt departments communicate and engage with citizens. It will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and help in making governance more inclusive and effective. I encourage everyone to use technology to forward job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship."
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
MoU signed to include Garo, Khasi languages of Meghalaya in Bhasini platform
Shillong, The Meghalaya government on Tuesday signed an MoU with the central government's Digital India Bhashini Division for the integration of the state's Garo and Khasi languages into the platform, officials said. The Bhashini platform is breaking down language barriers by providing seamless access to government services in 22 languages. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma who was present during the signing of the MoU said this is a landmark step towards linguistic inclusion. The inclusion of the Garo and Khasi languages enables Meghalaya to join a select group of states making their indigenous languages digitally accessible across the nation. "Technology today has reached a level that was once unimaginable. This step will have a profound impact across all aspects of society and governance, from grassroots communication to enhancing tourism, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare," Sangma said. This initiative will revolutionise how government departments communicate and engage with citizens and open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and help in making governance more inclusive and effective, he said. 'I encourage everyone to use technology to forward job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship," the chief minister said. As part of the initial implementation, a State Language Mission for Bhashini has been constituted under Chief Secretary DP Wahlang. The Mission will ensure seamless integration, research, and the continued development of digital resources for Garo and Khasi languages, including the incorporation of distinct alphabets and dialectical nuances, according to an official statement. While technology will facilitate overcoming challenges, it is critical to preserve the essence of indigenous languages and cultures, he said. "Language is our identity. Culture defines who we are. While we embrace technology, we must never forget our roots. Our government is committed to research, conservation, and documentation of the languages, cultures, and histories of all tribes and communities in Meghalaya," Sangma added. Discussions are also on to explore deeper historical and cultural connections between the tribes of Meghalaya and those in other regions such as Myanmar and Cambodia, the chief minister said. CEO of Digital India Bhashini Division, Amitabh Nag, and Commissioner Secretary of IT Department Pravin Bakshi signed the MoU for implementation of the initiative in the state. Meghalaya has been demanding that the two languages - Khasi and Garo be recognised as national languages under the Constitution's Eighth Schedule.
