By IANSlife

January 07, 2022 (IANSlife) In 2021, India's tourist sector contributed $178 billion, or almost 5.8 percent, to the GDP of the nation. According to government estimates, this will more than treble to $512 billion by 2028. About 137 million employment are generated by the tourism industry. The industry has been observing historically high rate and occupancy demands, together with a rise in domestic travel. Meghalaya has a variety of celebrations planned for the new year in addition to its natural beauty, which is guaranteed to appeal to all types of tourists.

The Government of Meghalaya, under the leadership of CM Shri Conrad Sangma envisions to make Meghalaya, one of the top 10 states of the country and tourism plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. The policies and programs implemented by the Government works towards trying to make Meghalaya the most sought-after tourist destination. Meghalaya, also known as the Abode of Clouds, is known for its abundant biodiversity areas, famed monsoons, and the dramatic terrain but Meghalaya also has a rich cultural and natural heritage, and many festivals are celebrated all around the year to commemorate the same. This makes Meghalaya the perfect destination for avid travelers around the globe who can immerse themselves in the vivid cultural heritage of the state. These festivals form an integral part of showcasing the cultural wealth of the State and unlocking its potential through tourism.

The Wangala Dance (held in the Garo Hills in November), Shad Suk Mynsiem and Nongkrem Dance Festival (held in the Khasi Hills in April and November), and the Behdeinkhlam Festival are the State's four most important cultural and religious celebrations (Jaintia hills - July). The Government of Meghalaya also puts together a schedule of carefully selected events, which cover everything from kayaking to music and literature. The Kayaking Festival, the Autumn Festival, the Boating Regatta, the International Film Festival, and the Winter Tales Festival are the noteworthy events among them (December).

The most prominent festivals are the Cherry Blossom festival and the Me.Gong Festival. One of the most vibrant and beautiful celebrations held each year in Meghalaya is the Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in Shillong. The Cherry Blossom festival is celebrated in Shillong during the month of November to mark the blossoming of the pink cherry flowers. It is a 10-day celebration comprising a series of events including music and literature festivals. The Me.Gong festival is celebrated during the first week of December in the Garo Hills. This celebration is given the name Me.gong after a flower that grows plentifully in the Garo Hills. The event showcases the traditions and cultures of the people through games, shows and performances. The three-day festival also showcases beverages from all over the area.

Meghalaya has ample to offer to the zealous traveler with its unforgettable landscapes, table-top heights brimful with waterfalls, streams, and forest trails and postcard perfect representations of life – complete with pastel green meadows, tall pine groves, crisp cool air, and quiet villages with quaint cottages and wooden fences spread across the countryside. It is, however, the State’s bouquet of festivities, owing to its many distinct tribal inhabitants along with a vibrant and modern State capital, that truly make it standout. Meghalaya is the perfect microcosm of the Northeastern part of this great nation and a must-see destination for the globe trotter.

(This article is website exclusive and cannot be reproduced without the permission of IANSlife)

IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in