Complete information of the Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival
Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival, also known as Meghalaya Autumn Festival, is one of the most significant cultural events in the state of Meghalaya, India. The festival is celebrated by the Khasi community, one of the major ethnic groups in Meghalaya, and it marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter.
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival is a week-long event that takes place every year in November. The festival is a celebration of the Khasi culture and traditions, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya.
The Origins of Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival has its roots in ancient Khasi mythology. According to legend, the Khasis believed that the universe was created by U Blei Nongthaw, the supreme god and that he had entrusted the care of the earth to seven goddesses known as Ka Blei Synshar. The goddesses were responsible for maintaining the balance between the natural elements of earth, water, air, and fire.
The Khasis believed that the Mei-Ramew flower, a species of orchid found in the Khasi Hills, was the symbol of the goddesses’ power and beauty. They also believed that the flower bloomed during the harvest season, and its blooming was an indication of a bountiful harvest.
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival is therefore a celebration of the Mei-Ramew flower and the goddesses’ power and beauty. It is a time to give thanks for a successful harvest and to pray for a good year ahead.
The Festivities of Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival is a colorful and vibrant event that showcases the unique culture and traditions of the Khasi community. The festival’s main attractions are the various cultural events, sports competitions, food, and trade fair.
Cultural Events
The festival’s cultural events are a showcase of the Khasi community’s rich cultural heritage. They include traditional dances, folk songs, and dramas, which are performed by local artists. The performances depict the Khasi way of life and their customs and beliefs.
One of the highlights of the festival is the traditional Khasi dance, known as Shad Suk Mynsiem. The dance is performed by young Khasi women, dressed in traditional attire, and it symbolizes the harvest season’s joy and prosperity. The dance involves the use of colorful umbrellas, which are used to signify the blooming of the Mei-Ramew flower.
Another popular dance is the War Dance, which is performed by Khasi men. The dance depicts the Khasi warriors’ bravery and strength and is accompanied by traditional music played on drums and bamboo flutes.
Sports Competitions
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival is also a time for sports competitions, which are enjoyed by both participants and spectators alike. The competitions include traditional sports such as archery, which is a test of skill and accuracy.
The archery competition is held between different villages, and it is a fierce competition that draws huge crowds. Other sports events include football, volleyball, and tug of war, which are also popular among the participants and spectators.
Food
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival is also known for its delicious and unique cuisine. The festival is a time to indulge in traditional Khasi food and delicacies.
One of the most popular dishes served during the festival is Jadoh, a rice dish cooked with meat, usually pork or chicken, and flavored with local spices. Another popular dish is Dohneiiong, a pork dish cooked with black sesame seeds, ginger, and garlic.
Visitors can also savor other traditional Khasi dishes such as Tungrymbai, a fermented soybean dish, and Nakham Bitchi, a smoked meat dish. The festival also offers a variety of snacks and street food such as Momos, which are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat.
To wash down all the delicious food, visitors can try traditional Khasi beverages such as Kyat, a rice beer, and Doh-Thad, a refreshing drink made with pineapple, lemon, and soda.
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival’s food is a highlight of the festival, and visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by trying out the different dishes and delicacies on offer.
Trade Fair
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival also hosts a trade fair, where local artisans and traders showcase their products. The fair is an excellent opportunity for visitors to buy local handicrafts, such as bamboo products, weaving, and pottery. Visitors can also buy traditional Khasi attire, such as jainsem (a traditional Khasi dress), and other souvenirs to take back home.
The trade fair also provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to promote their products and services, and it is an excellent opportunity for them to connect with potential customers and investors.
Religious Significance
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival has religious significance for the Khasi community. The festival is a time to give thanks to U Blei Nongthaw, the supreme god, and the Ka Blei Synshar, the seven goddesses who maintain the balance of the natural elements. The festival is also a time to seek the goddesses’ blessings for a good harvest in the coming year.
The festival’s religious rituals include offering prayers, performing traditional rituals, and sacrificing animals as an offering to the goddesses. Animal sacrifice is an ancient Khasi tradition that is still practiced by some members of the community. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend toward the use of symbolic offerings, such as fruits and vegetables, instead of animal sacrifice.
Tourism Impact
The Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival is an essential event for the Khasi community, and it is also a significant tourist attraction. The festival draws visitors from all over the world who come to experience the Khasi culture and traditions.
The festival has a positive impact on the local economy, as it provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to promote their products and services. It also generates revenue for the tourism industry, as visitors need accommodation, transportation, and other services during their stay.
However, the festival’s growing popularity has also raised concerns about the impact of tourism on the local environment and culture. There have been instances where visitors have disregarded the local customs and traditions and caused damage to the environment.
To address these concerns, the government and local authorities have taken steps to promote responsible tourism and educate visitors about the local customs and traditions. They have also implemented measures to minimize the festival’s impact on the environment, such as waste management and the conservation of natural resources.
How to reach Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival
Reaching the Meghalaya Mei Ramew Festival can be done through various modes of transportation, depending on your starting location.
By Air: The nearest airport to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is the Umroi Airport, located about 30 km away. It has regular flights from major cities such as Kolkata and Guwahati. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach Shillong, where the festival is held.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Shillong is Guwahati, which is about 100 km away. Guwahati is well-connected to major cities across India. Visitors can take a taxi or bus from Guwahati to reach Shillong.
By Road: Meghalaya is well connected by road to the neighboring states of Assam and Tripura. The National Highway 6 connects Meghalaya to the rest of India. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Guwahati or other nearby cities to reach Shillong.
Local Transportation: Once in Shillong, visitors can use local transportation such as taxis and buses to reach the festival venue. The festival is usually held at the Polo Grounds in Shillong, which is easily accessible by local transportation.
It is advisable to plan your travel in advance and book your flights, trains, or buses early, especially during the festival season, to avoid any inconvenience. Visitors should also keep in mind the weather conditions during the festival season, as Meghalaya receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon months, which can affect road and air travel.
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