Passion and Rhythm:
The tribes of Meghalaya celebrate festivals connected with religion. Happiness is expressed outwardly in the form of dance, feast and worship.

All the three major tribes have their distinct dance forms. The Shad Suk Mysiem, literally meaning ‘Dances of Happy Soul' is the dance festival of the Khasis and is held in April- May at the Mawlai field, Shillong, as a thanks- giving to the Almighty. Only virgin girls can participate unlike the males who may well be married.

Nongkrem Dance is held during September/ October, which exhibits almost the same dance form and is a popular tourist attraction. The Lahoo is of the Jaintias. Two male dancers flank a female danseuse. The Wangala is performed by the Garos during their 100 Drums Festival. Celebrated following the harvest season, young people, clad in colourful finery, dance to the rhythm of drums, flutes and song. It is said that the young drummers and the maidens find opportunity during this festival to know each other and choose their future life- partners.

Festivals in Meghalaya:
The Government of Meghalaya regularly organises festivals in order to gather tourist attraction. However, festivals not belonging to Christian faith, are held in order to signify occasions where ancestral spirits are appeased, following activities of sowing and harvesting. Some festivals are as follows:

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem:
Popularly known as the Nongkrem dance, it is held as a thanksgiving ceremony to God Almighty, for the harvest and as a prayer for peace and prosperity. This is one of the most important festivals of the Khasis(tribal inhabitants of this region).

Behdiengkhlam:
The most significant festival of the Jaintias(tribal inhabitants of this state) is celebrated annually at Jowai in Jaintia Hills, during the month of July. During this festival, decoration and artistic presentation reign supreme. And the Lahoo dancers in their ethnic traditional bright attire will force you to boogie to the tune of this indigenous vibrant melody.

Wangala:
The prominent festival of the Garos(yet another one of the inhabitants of the state) is Wangala. It is the 100 Drums festival is held in the Garo hills in honour of the Sun God of fertility, according to Garo legend.Sacrifices are also offered to their principal deity, Saljong (Sungod).

Doregata dance and Pomelo dance are two other major Garo Festivals that are full of rhythm, fun and frolic. The Khasis have the famous colourful Nongkrem dance- an ancient religious ritual tracing it's origins to ancient times, and Shad Suk Mynsiem festival, a thanksgiving dance with display of traditional Khasi fineries and also the jovial harvest dance of the War's of Southern Meghalaya .