Famously called the abode of clouds, the state of Meghalaya flaunts its beauty with windswept tabletop mountains and lush green forests with spellbound streams and waterfalls. The rich culture and tradition of the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia tribes, and their peaceful co-existence with nature contribute to the state’s charm. The shining bright example of this harmony is the living root bridges. These bridges are shaped by the communities by manipulating the roots across a river or stream, creating an out-worldly illusion enough to enchant anyone who visits these places. There are many such places defining tourism in Meghalaya. However, the culture and warmth of its people are the basis of its tourism efforts and hence the key USP. The state’s commitment to responsible travel practices has earned recognition at the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards (IRSTA) 2024.
Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards (IRSTA) 2024 are organised by the Department of Tourism in Meghalaya in collaboration with Outlook Group to observe World Tourism Day. This state-level award is an effort of the Tourism Department to promote responsible and sustainable tourism, in line with the Meghalaya Tourism Policy of 2023.
At the awards, Sieng Riti Institute, founded by Snar Singh Malngiang, was awarded Gold for Sustainable Leadership Cultural Ambassadors. Sharing his testament, he said, “The sole objective of the Sieng Riti Institute when we formed was based on three pillars: learn, preserve, and impart. The institute imparts training in traditional music, customs, and usages based on indigenous knowledge and practices to preserve, protect, and promote Khasi traditions. When we first started, in 2002, we found only teens of 17–18 interested in learning; gradually we have seen that even children aged 6 and 7 years have a keen interest in learning. Now, we have over 170 of them.”
The Sieng Riti Institute is strongly supported by the local community, educational institutions, and NGOs and currently has 150 young trainees from the region. The institute’s presence has made Wahkhen a cultural hub and attracts many tourists and researchers from the state and the country.
As one of the winners of the Sustainable Leadership Grassroots Heroes Award, Vianney Basiewdor Nongrum, an awardee, shared her testimony, stating, “After completing my studies on fashion design and textile design, I came in contact with women of Raid Nongtluh, a village cluster, and other village clusters of Ri Bhoi district. I found that these women were not only hard-working but also bore talent in weaving. Furthermore, they (weavers) use natural ingredients to dye. I work with 10 women, but there are many more women and girls who work under their supervision. I feel that this will not only invoke employment generation but also a sense of responsibility that they have a part to play to preserve their culture and roots.”
Notably, Shillong, surpassing the historic city of Baku in Azerbaijan, has emerged as the top trending destination of 2025, as per the Travel Trends Report by Skyscanner. The government’s push for sustainability and eco-tourism adds to its appeal, making Shillong a top choice for travellers. With the celebration of the upcoming Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival on November 15 and 16, 2024, at the RBDSA Sports Complex, Madan Kurkalang, Ri Bhoi District, the government expects more travellers to visit the state and Shillong in particular.
