Meghalaya, the “abode of clouds,” is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich tribal traditions and heritage. However, rapid modernization, migration, and changing socio-economic dynamics are threatening many age-old customs. Here are the top 5 cultural practices of Meghalaya that are nearing extinction, despite their profound significance in the state’s historical and social identity.
1. Shad Nongkrem Festival Rituals Are Losing Their Traditional Essence
The Shad Nongkrem Festival, performed by the Khasi tribe, was once a deeply spiritual and communal event that included elaborate rituals like the Pomblang sacrifice and dances in traditional attire. While the festival is still celebrated near Smit village, the core sacrificial rituals and oral invocations are slowly being phased out due to animal rights concerns and diminishing participation of indigenous priests (Lyngdohs). The younger generation is more attracted to the visual spectacle than the spiritual aspect, leading to a diluted cultural transmission.
2. Waning of Oral Folklore Storytelling Among the Jaintia Elders
Among the Jaintia people, oral storytelling was a cornerstone of cultural education. Elders would gather children around evening fires to narrate myths of U Lei Muluk, legends of Syntu Ksiar, and morality tales tied to nature and ancestors. These stories were often delivered in poetic Pnar language with rich metaphors. However, urbanization and the adoption of digital media have sharply reduced this practice. Many young Jaintia today have never heard these tales in their original form, signaling an imminent loss of this oral literary tradition.
3. Decline of Traditional Bamboo Craftsmanship in Ri-Bhoi District
The Ri-Bhoi district was once a thriving hub for traditional Khasi bamboo artisans, creating intricate baskets (Pla Iew), mats (Tyngier), and musical instruments. These bamboo crafts held both practical and ceremonial importance. Today, plastic and factory-made products have displaced handwoven items. Moreover, younger Khasis are increasingly uninterested in inheriting these skills, viewing them as economically unviable. Without government or NGO intervention, this traditional craft is on the brink of extinction.
4. Fading Practice of Matrilineal Property Inheritance Among Urban Khasis
Meghalaya is globally known for its matrilineal society, particularly among the Khasi and Jaintia tribes. Traditionally, the youngest daughter (Ka Khadduh) inherits ancestral property and serves as the caretaker of family rituals. However, the rise of urban nuclear families, Christian missionary influence, and inter-tribal marriages are eroding this practice. Increasing legal disputes and societal pressure to shift towards patrilineal systems have emerged, especially in Shillong and other urban centers, challenging a centuries-old matriarchal framework.
5. Extinction Risk of Traditional Wangala Drum-Dance Form Among the Garos
The Wangala Festival, or the “Hundred Drums Festival,” is the most significant agricultural celebration of the Garo tribe. Traditionally performed to honor the Sun God Misi Saljong, the dance involves a synchronized drum ensemble and symbolic warrior movements. Today, authentic performances—featuring indigenous costumes, chants, and rituals—are mostly restricted to ceremonial shows. Younger generations often see them as mere cultural programs rather than sacred expressions of gratitude, placing the Wangala drum-dance tradition in a precarious state.
The top endangered cultural practices in Meghalaya are not only integral to tribal identity but also serve as living repositories of the region’s philosophy, ecology, and social structure. Without community-driven initiatives, policy support, and inter-generational involvement, these customs could vanish within a few decades. Revival of traditional knowledge in Meghalaya must be prioritized to maintain the state’s unique cultural fabric.