Festivals of Meghalaya: Shad Suk Mynsiem, Behdienkhlam, Wangala and More (2026–27 Dates)
Meghalaya's festivals across the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills: Shad Suk Mynsiem, Behdienkhlam, Nongkrem, Wangala, the Cherry Blossom Festival and Christmas in Shillong, with dates and how to plan.
Meghalaya is home to three main peoples, the Khasis, the Jaintias (Pnars) and the Garos, and each celebrates its own festivals: spring and harvest dances, a monsoon festival to chase away disease, and a Garo thanksgiving played on a hundred drums. Add the Cherry Blossom Festival and a big Christmas, and there is something on in most seasons.
Meghalaya festival calendar at a glance
| Festival | People | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shad Suk Mynsiem | Khasi | April (13 April in 2026) | Weiking Ground, Shillong |
| Behdienkhlam | Jaintia (Pnar) | July (6–9 July in 2026) | Jowai |
| Nongkrem Dance | Khasi | October–November (1–2 Nov 2026) | Smit, near Shillong |
| Wangala (100 Drums) | Garo | November (12–14 Nov 2026) | Asanang, near Tura |
| Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival | Music festival | November (20–21 Nov 2026) | Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong |
| Christmas | Statewide | 25 December | Shillong and towns |
Shad Suk Mynsiem: the dance of joyful hearts
Each April, the Seng Khasi faithful dance at Weiking Ground in Shillong to give thanks for the harvest and welcome the sowing season. Unmarried women in silk and gold crowns dance in the inner circle; men with swords and whisks circle around them, to drums and pipes. See our Shad Suk Mynsiem guide.
Behdienkhlam in Jowai
In the monsoon, the Pnar people of Jowai drive away plague and evil with Behdienkhlam: men beat the roofs of houses with bamboo, towering decorated rots are carried to the sacred pool at Aitnar, and the last day ends in a muddy contest over a wooden log. Read our Behdienkhlam guide.
Nongkrem Dance at Smit
The thanksgiving festival of the Hima Khyrim kingdom is held in the courtyard of the chief's traditional house in Smit, about 15 km from Shillong, with dancers in gold and silver ornaments. See our Nongkrem Dance guide.
Wangala: the 100 Drums Festival
The Garos give thanks to the sun god Saljong after the harvest. At Asanang, about 18 km from Tura, troupes from across the Garo Hills dance in long lines to the beat of a hundred drums. Our Wangala festival guide covers dates, getting to Tura and where to stay.
Cherry Blossom Festival and Christmas
In November, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival brings international acts as the wild cherry trees bloom. In December, Shillong lights up for Christmas, with carol services in its many churches and the Winter Tales craft fair at Ward's Lake.
Planning a festival trip to Meghalaya
- No permit is needed for Meghalaya. Guwahati airport is about 3 hours from Shillong.
- Jowai is 1.5–2 hours from Shillong, Smit 30 minutes. Tura, for Wangala, is far: about 6 hours from Guwahati.
- Traditional dances are religious. Dress modestly, keep off the dance ground and ask before close-up photographs.
Our Meghalaya tour packages can be timed to any of these festivals; see the best time to visit Meghalaya for weather.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous festival of Meghalaya?
Wangala, the Garo 100 Drums Festival, and Behdienkhlam in Jowai are the best known traditional festivals; the Cherry Blossom Festival is the biggest modern one.
Which month is best for festivals in Meghalaya?
November: Nongkrem, Wangala and the Cherry Blossom Festival all fall within a few weeks, and the weather is dry and clear.
Do I need a permit for Meghalaya's festivals?
No. Meghalaya does not require an Inner Line Permit for Indian or foreign visitors.
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