Shillong: The Na Thymmei Festival, meaning “From the Root,” returned to Shillong’s iconic Madan Weiking grounds in Jaiaw on October 26 and 27, celebrating 125 years of Khasi cultural heritage.
Organized by Seng Khasi Kmie, an institution founded in 1899 to safeguard indigenous traditions, the festival showcased the rich tapestry of Meghalaya’s cultural legacy through music, dance, and theatre.
The two-day event featured traditional performances by local artists, workshops on ancestral practices led by Khasi community elders, and stalls offering regional delicacies, capturing the essence of Meghalaya’s vibrant culture.
Since its launch in 2022 with support from the state’s Tourism Department, Na Thymmei has emerged as a key cultural event at Madan Weiking, complementing the spring festival, Shad Suk Mynsiem.
Prominent figures like Cyril V Darlong Diengdoh, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, and Swapnil Tembe, Director of School Education and Literacy, attended the event, underscoring its significance.
The festival also held a traditional pageant, with Samuel Shylla crowned as U Nai Khatsawsynia in the men’s category, and Phibahunshisha Ryngkhun taking the title of Ka Lukhimai in the women’s division. A children’s fashion show highlighted traditional attire, adding to the celebration of local customs.
Beyond cultural preservation, Na Thymmei serves as an economic platform, supporting local artisans and performers while ensuring that traditional crafts and skills are passed down to future generations.
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