Fourth Tri Hills Ensemble Highlights Meghalaya’s Rich Culture, Crafts and Cuisine

The fourth edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble, held at Ward’s Lake in Shillong, celebrates the Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos’ craft, culture, and cuisine, with a focus on reviving traditional boating activities in Darrang and Dawki. The festival opened with dignitaries being honored and a symbolic handing over of oars to promote indigenous water sports. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the chief guest, praised the festival for connecting the state’s people with their roots and ensuring their identity and legacy are celebrated. He highlighted this year’s theme, “Rivers, Roots, and Revival,” which aims to rediscover lost traditions such as rowing and boating competitions.

Sangma noted Meghalaya’s rapid economic progress but stressed the importance of preserving cultural identity in development. He called for more documentation of tribal histories, languages, and art forms, pointing out gaps in Garo cultural documentation. He encouraged educational institutions to adopt programs that promote pride in local heroes. The festival featured cultural performances showcasing Meghalaya’s diversity, including music from Khasi Cymru and a folk-tale musical by the Ground Breakers of Khatsaw Phra College, concluding with Bhutanese rock band Baby Floyd.

A Recognition and Award Ceremony honored contributions under the Meghalaya Culture and Cuisine Awards and the Meghalaya Arts and Heritage Awards. Awards were given to those promoting the Khasi language, indigenous cuisine innovators, and community library initiatives, among others. The event also included significant releases such as the film preview of Crafting Technique of the Saitar and research articles on the CMRG portal, alongside book launches of various translated works.