The Shillong Literary Festival witnessed a surge of public interest around indigenous storytelling this year, drawing large audiences and placing regional cultural heritage at the forefront of its three-day schedule from 20–22 November. While the event featured book reviews, panel discussions, author engagements and performances, the storytelling segment curated by the Riti Academy of Visual Arts emerged as its standout attraction.
Among the performances, Khasi Cymru Music captivated festival-goers with what became one of the most discussed presentations of the event. The ensemble, comprising five musicians from Martin Luther Christian University’s Department of Music, has been developing a unique sound inspired by the shared melodic sensibilities of Khasi and Welsh traditions. Formed in November 2024 under the Mair Jones Harp Scholarship from the William Mathias Music Centre in Wales, the group has already performed across Meghalaya, participated in select national events and completed a cultural residency in Wales.
The band, featuring Aijingkmen Janong, Balasiewdor Ryntathiang, Nangteidor Nongkhlaw and Risaka Nancy Pyrbot, performed alongside actor and writer Banjop Leo Kharmalki, whose work includes contributions to the Phawar tradition and a recent lead role in Apot – A Presage of Tiewlarun, a film showcased at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival.
The storytelling showcase drew from KOT – Khasi Old Testament by Raphael Warjri, with seasoned comperes Fatima Nongbri and Lucetta Syiem guiding audiences through narratives of creation and early humanity rooted in ancient Khasi oral literature. Their delivery offered a rare opportunity to experience stories often referenced in academic or cultural discussions but seldom performed in an immersive format.
Organisers announced that the closing programme will maintain this cultural emphasis with a presentation of the Garo creation story, accompanied by performers from the Shill Achik Cultural Artistes Association. The final session is expected to conclude the festival on a strong cultural note, reinforcing its commitment to honouring local voices, memory and identity.
