Meghalaya has three main tribes Khasi, Jaintias and Garos, and the traditional costume of each tribe is particular. A skirt used by women is called jympia, which is either a cotton or endi type, on which an apron (kyrshah) is suspended from the left shoulder and meanders to the legs. Outside, a Jainsem is suspended both on the shoulders and below the knee. Jainsem is a modification of Indian saris, which covers the whole body and can be made of cotton or silk. One of the most important festivals of the Khasis is Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem or Dance of the Joyful Heart. It is an annual Thanksgiving dance that takes place in Shillong in April. Men and women, dressed in traditional splendor, dance to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. The festival lasts three days. Agriculture plays a dominant role in the economy, which is why they are forced to live in a rural environment. The largest city is Shillong.
The main crops are potatoes, pepper, chillies, millet and vegetables. Their way of life depends on agriculture, as most of the population lives in rural areas. Tourism has a share of Meghalaya`s economic growth and they are taking major initiatives to transform the state into one of the best destinations not only in India but worldwide. Due to its geographical location, this fascinating state of India is dominated not only by alluring hills, picturesque views, vibrant culture and rich agriculture, but also by the well-preserved heritage that offers tourists a great experience. In addition, the country is rich in mineral deposits such as coal, mica and magnesium, making it a position in nature reserves. The male-to-female ratio in Meghalaya was 974 women per 1000 men; compared to 923 women for the country as a whole. The relatively high male-to-female ratio in Meghalaya dates back to the existing tradition of matrilineal society. The state is part of three major tribes. They believe that their ancestors belong to Tibet, so their shades are a mixture of Tibet and northeastern culture. Nevertheless, they all have different cultures that are surprisingly dynamic and unique. One tradition that connects the three tribes is the matrilineal system. A matrilineal system is where the family lineage is on the maternal side.
The Khasi regard religion as God and they entrust their lives to be God`s greatest gift to people, they preach love for life. It also explains life after death. The Jaintias, on the other hand, are influenced by Hinduism. The Garos give credibility to Rabuga, the creator and support of all humanity. Instead of worshipping, the Garos are appeased by sacrifices. However, these tribes converted to other religious beliefs. We often fail to consider the food of northeast India. Tribal culture influences the cuisine here and this makes Meghalaya food distinctive and delicious. A tourist destination is often sought after the adventure and undoubtedly the tour to Meghalaya offers you adventure through food. These hearty dishes should not remain intact when visiting this hilly state of India.
Tourists should soothe their taste buds on this culinary journey. Jadoh, a famous dish of the Khasi tribe, is prepared with rice as the main ingredient, which is served with chicken, fish or pork according to the needs of consumers. This is only a small part of the rich culture of the people of Meghalaya. It is essential to visit the state and learn more about the people to know the unique systems they follow. Meghalaya is home to the famous music and dance forms of northeastern India. The dances are associated with their festivals or seasons and are therefore appreciated throughout the year. The dances are social, religious, agricultural, funerary and relaxing. The earth resonates with the sound of a perfect tempo, beautiful songs and traditional instruments. Meghalaya dances usually take place outdoors. The Khasis and Jaintia are the descendants of the Mongols, while the Garos belong to the Tibeto-Burmese race. The tradition that makes the people of Meghalaya unique is the matrilineal system.
This system is almost unknown to the rest of the country. In this unique system, the women of society inherit any belonging and are the heads of the family. This underscores the status of women in Meghalaya, which is very different from that of women in other parts of the country. Jymphong is traditionally worn, but is limited only to festivals, in everyday life you don`t see men wearing jymphong. Later, a dhoti for the belt was replaced. A triangular cart and a wooden headgear were worn. Ordinary men wear mostly cotton clothes, while Syiems and other dignitaries prefer silk patterns. Jeans and jackets are common in everyday clothing. Meghalaya is a great place in India to find different cultures, festivals, tribes, food, flora and fauna and adventure. There are plenty to explore during your visits to India, but Meghalaya gives you the never-ending opportunity to dive deeper into nature. An important part of their culture is dance.
