Shillong, December 12 : The second day of Winter Tales 2025 transformed the iconic Wards Lake into a convergence of sustainability, storytelling, and intellectual exchange. Building on the momentum of Day 01, today’s agenda expanded the festival’s exploration of this year’s theme ‘Nurture’, with a celebration of local craft, important dialogues and honouring the custodians with the ‘Go Green Awards’, offering a platform for intellectual discourse, book launches and master craftsmanship.
The Workshop Stage served as the epicentre for literary exploration throughout the afternoon, beginning with architect and designer Mario Pathaw’s insightful session on transforming ordinary objects into expressive characters. The focus then shifted to the written word with book launches by MLCU Press, including Taptung Tangthu: Paite Folktales for Children, Rain U Slap, and Picnic and Pine Needles.
The event then transitioned into visual heritage with acclaimed photojournalist Pablo Bartholomew, who presented Father & Son, Richard and Pablo Bartholomew – Affinities, offering the audience a glimpse into a photographic dialogue spanning the 1950s to the 1980s.
The event also witnessed the handing out of the secondbatch of the Go Green Awards to Ebor Tariangfor photography, P. Cooper Kharluki for art and Cleric Jayden Wanniang for film, who were handed over cheques of Rs 1,00,00 each. Notably gathering strives for ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ approach the plaques awarded to all the honourees are made from recycled waste materials.
Preceding the awards, the day featured an Interactive Session with Food Entrepreneurs from, allowing visitors to engage with the tastemakers shaping the region’s culinary landscape.
Rooted in her Khasi heritage, Ilamon Thangkhiew, whoworks closely with artisans in Meghalaya, preserving ancestral skills while uplifting local craft communities lauded the government saying “They have been incredibly supportive throughout our journey from being part with the Ateliers and supporting me in international exhibitions. Their support has helped me showcase my work to a much wider audience.” She also stated that the festival has grown tremendously in recent years, with visitor footfalls indicating a larger spectrum of attendees coming to appreciate the exhibitors, allowing people to witness, learn and engage directly with the skills, stories, and traditions of the community.
Later, the Shillong Cosplay Community took to the stage for a special musical act, bridging traditional storytelling with modern performance art.
The Master Craft Stage featured live demonstrations by the artisan communities. Visitors witnessed special presentations mad by Larnai Potters and the intricate bamboo work of Umwaii weavers alongside Ri-Bhoi textile artisans, Fiu Woodcraft and Walseng Wood Carvings, offering a connection of the indigenous crafts and skills.
The day culminated into soulful musical performances by the Folk Instrumental Project, Larger Than 90, Ahaia, Soul Groove and Lily Sawian and DJ Banshan.
Winter Tales 2025 moves into its final day tomorrow celebrating a culmination of three days of culture, community and craft.
