Winter Tales 2025 is set to begin at Ward’s Lake from 11 to 13 December, bringing a renewed focus on sustainable living as the festival enters its sixth edition. The event, considered a key highlight of Meghalaya’s cultural calendar, closes the autumn season and ushers in the Christmas celebrations.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira will inaugurate the three-day festival, organised by The Meghalayan Age Limited with the Department of Tourism and curated by Dakti. This year’s edition placed greater emphasis on environmental responsibility by restricting non-biodegradable materials and promoting community-driven crafts and green initiatives.
Ward’s Lake will feature several thematic zones hosting workshops, live demonstrations, performances, and interactive sessions. The Main Stage line-up included Sur Na Nongkyndong, the Folk Instrumental Project, Khasi Bloodz, Blu Temptations, Soul Groove, and appearances by the Shillong Cosplay Community. Cultural showcases such as Daniel Syiem’s Threads in Motion and the Paduh Aki performance were also scheduled.
A series of talks and masterclasses anchored the festival’s educational programming. Sessions covered photography with Pablo Bartholomew, zero-waste cooking, waste management, and book launches including Shillong to Saigon. The Master Craft Stage hosted artisans presenting pottery, cane and bamboo work, and wood carving, with participation from Peter Marbaniang and craft communities from Ri-Bhoi.
Among the major attractions is “50 Years of Meghalaya in Light and Time”, a cyanotype project reflecting on the state’s evolving identity. It will run alongside the “Art and Nature to Nurture” exhibition. Visitors will also have access to an Artisanal and Farmers’ Market, plant nurseries, and food stalls serving regional and contemporary cuisine paired with local brews.
Go Green Awards will recognise individuals and groups promoting environmental action, while dedicated zones for youth, art, and tea-tasting will offer additional avenues for community participation.
Organisers said the festival aimed to highlight indigenous skills and traditions, ensuring that artisans, performers, and producers shaped a collective narrative of Meghalaya’s heritage through hands-on workshops and live demonstrations.
