Department of Arts and Culture, Meghalaya

26/06/2025

Another highlight was the Special Address by the son of John Shepherd Barron inventor of ATM born in Shillong in 1925 , at the inauguration his legacy was honoured 100 years later in 2025 at the inauguration of the Meghalaya State Museum on 25th June 2025

26/06/2025

The newly inaugurated Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum, located at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong, was officially opened by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in the presence of Minister for Arts and Culture Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Power Minister .t.mondalofficial , and Principal Secretary for Art and Culture Frederick Roy Kharkongor. The museum offers a 360-degree immersive experience of Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo life through 12 curated sections, including Meghalaya’s first GLAM space (Gallery, Library, Archives, Museum), audio-visual exhibits, and interactive installations.

Highlights include the state’s first gallery space for local art, a long-overdue Hill State Movement gallery, a textile section showcasing GI-tagged Ryndia, and a “150 Years of Shillong” exhibit. QR-based digital storytelling, child-friendly zones, and plans for future VR experiences make it one of the most technologically advanced museums in the region. Kharkongor noted that the project is not just a renovation, but a complete reimagining developed almost entirely in-house.

The Chief Minister emphasized the museum's role in preserving cultural identity while promoting a creative economy. He announced mandatory student visits and shared plans for similar museums across Meghalaya, starting with Tura. “This is not just a building,” he said, “but a living testament to our identity, creativity, and future.”

Bah Paul Lyngdoh :Official Hon’ble Minister Arts & Culture dwelt at length on the concerted focus of the Department & the State Government to promote creative economy and also to showcase our culture to visitors and tourist with a view to promote soft power of Meghalaya through it’s crafts cultures cuisine and through it’s stories.

Chief Secretary DP Wahlang focused on cultural outreach through the museum so as to attract students on various facets of Meghalaya as showcased in the newly inaugurated museum through its 12 different sections.

24/12/2024

18/12/2024

Remembering U Soso Tham on the 84th anniversary of his passing – a poetic legend whose words continue to echo through the heart of Khasi heritage, inspiring generations and preserving the beauty of tradition for all time. 🌟💐🕊️

09/12/2024

Glimpses from the third edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble, which was successfully completed with the inauguration by Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma. The event celebrated the arts, crafts, and culture of Meghalaya’s three tribes—Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo—and marked Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas. Held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, the inauguration was graced by Arts and Culture Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Mitchell Theaker (Head of India for the Welsh Government), and Shri Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary.The event featured the launch of the official web portal for the Arts and Craft Village and recognized outstanding individuals in various fields. Awards were presented in categories like literature (Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih and Janice Pariat), tribal entrepreneurship (Dasumarlin Majaw and D Kharbuli), woodcraft (Gilford Pde), filmmaking (Pradip Kurbah, Dominic Sangma, and Simi Kongthiang), fashion and lifestyle (Angelia Marwein), dance (Steve Jyrwa, winner of *Dance India Dance*), indigenous cuisine (Mei Ramew Café), and bamboo craft (Ricky Kynter and Bandap Dewkhaid).The event also saw the launch of cultural books, including ‘A Synthesis of Rhythm & Art’, documenting Meghalaya’s cultural dances, and ‘U Spor na Thwei Pyrkhat’ by Banjop Leo Gregory Kharmalki, along with the ‘Khasi Old Testament’ (KOT) by Raphael Warjri. CM Sangma emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage, highlighting its role in fostering pride, connecting communities, and boosting tourism.

29/11/2024

Glimpses from the third edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble, which was successfully completed with the inauguration by Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma. The event celebrated the arts, crafts, and culture of Meghalaya’s three tribes—Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo—and marked Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas. Held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, the inauguration was graced by Arts and Culture Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Mitchell Theaker (Head of India for the Welsh Government), and Shri Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary.

The event featured the launch of the official web portal for the Arts and Craft Village and recognized outstanding individuals in various fields. Awards were presented in categories like literature (Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih and Janice Pariat), tribal entrepreneurship (Dasumarlin Majaw and D Kharbuli), woodcraft (Gilford Pde), filmmaking (Pradip Kurbah, Dominic Sangma, and Simi Kongthiang), fashion and lifestyle (Angelia Marwein), dance (Steve Jyrwa, winner of *Dance India Dance*), indigenous cuisine (Mei Ramew Café), and bamboo craft (Ricky Kynter and Bandap Dewkhaid).

The event also saw the launch of cultural books, including ‘A Synthesis of Rhythm & Art’, documenting Meghalaya’s cultural dances, and ‘U Spor na Thwei Pyrkhat’ by Banjop Leo Gregory Kharmalki, along with the ‘Khasi Old Testament’ (KOT) by Raphael Warjri.

CM Sangma emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage, highlighting its role in fostering pride, connecting communities, and boosting tourism.

27/11/2024

Glimpses from the third edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble, which was successfully completed with the inauguration by Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma. The event celebrated the arts, crafts, and culture of Meghalaya’s three tribes—Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo—and marked Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas. Held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, the inauguration was graced by Arts and Culture Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Mitchell Theaker (Head of India for the Welsh Government), and Shri Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary.

The event featured the launch of the official web portal for the Arts and Craft Village and recognized outstanding individuals in various fields. Awards were presented in categories like literature (Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih and Janice Pariat), tribal entrepreneurship (Dasumarlin Majaw and D Kharbuli), woodcraft (Gilford Pde), filmmaking (Pradip Kurbah, Dominic Sangma, and Simi Kongthiang), fashion and lifestyle (Angelia Marwein), dance (Steve Jyrwa, winner of *Dance India Dance*), indigenous cuisine (Mei Ramew Café), and bamboo craft (Ricky Kynter and Bandap Dewkhaid).

The event also saw the launch of cultural books, including ‘A Synthesis of Rhythm & Art’, documenting Meghalaya’s cultural dances, and ‘U Spor na Thwei Pyrkhat’ by Banjop Leo Gregory Kharmalki, along with the ‘Khasi Old Testament’ (KOT) by Raphael Warjri.

CM Sangma emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage, highlighting its role in fostering pride, connecting communities, and boosting tourism.

22/11/2024

The third edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma. The event aims to celebrate and showcase the rich arts, crafts, and culture of Meghalaya’s three tribes—Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo. It also marked the observance of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas.The inauguration, held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, was graced by Arts and Culture Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Mitchell Theaker, Head of India for the Welsh Government, and Shri Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary.During the event, the Tribal Excellence Award in Fashion and Lifestyle was presented to Angelia Marwein, who represented the state of Meghalaya at Femina Miss India.