Festival returns to Ward’s Lake, Shillong on 11, 12 & 13 December 2025
Shillong, December 02 : One of the final events of State’s Autumn Calendar, Winter Tales, Meghalaya’s beloved Christmas-season festival, returns to Ward’s Lake from 11–13 December 2025 with a renewed focus on storytelling, craftsmanship, sustainability, and community spirit. Organised by The Meghalayan Age Limited in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, and curated by Dakti, the sixth edition strengthens its commitment to mindful living with the introduction of the Go Green Awards 2025. The awards recognises individuals and groups championing eco-friendly initiatives across the state.
Drawing inspiration from the imagery of the five fingers, Winter Tales 2025 celebrates the artistry and connection that come from working with one’s hands. Every element, right from the stalls, food, crafts, performances, and installations, are handmade, handpicked, and handcrafted.
Visitors will encounter creations shaped by skill and memory, each carrying a story of heritage, imagination, aspiration, or resilience. As festival-goers move through Ward’s Lake, they are invited to discover these narratives and witness the living stories of Meghalaya embedded in every craft.
Sustainability remains at the core of Winter Tales. The festival continues to champion natural and organic practices, making extensive use of bamboo, jute, and locally sourced materials while consciously minimising non-biodegradable and non-recyclable waste.
Food and music, central to the Winter Tales experience, also follow the festival’s ‘vocal for local’ philosophy. Local chefs and tastemakers curate the culinary offerings, and the music line-up features homegrown artists who bring together traditional, cultural, and contemporary music. Workshops and demonstrations held across the venue provide guests with a hands-on experience of indigenous craftsmanship.
This year, the festival introduces the Go Green Awards, acknowledging the many “hands” that are shaping a greener Meghalaya. As nominated honours, the awards recognise meaningful contributions to sustainability, ecological awareness, and creative expressions rooted in responsible living. The categories for 2025 include:
• Film: For PSA filmmaking that educates and motivates communities on sustainability.
• Art: For artists whose work promotes eco-conscious living through hands-on creativity.
• Reduce, Re-use, Recycle Initiatives: For innovative waste-repurposing and resource-efficient efforts.
• Sustainability Cell: For organised groups driving structured environmental action.
• Community-Led Initiatives: For grassroots collaborations that strengthen community-driven sustainability.
• Green Ambassador: For individuals who inspire, guide, and lead by example.
• Installations: For eco-friendly installations that creatively transform public spaces.
• Food: For sustainable culinary practices from sourcing to preparation.
• Photography: For visual narratives that highlight traditional practices, ecological themes, or mindful creation.
• Writing: For authors whose work advances ecological awareness and responsible living.
Through these awards, Winter Tales highlights local role models- artists, innovators, educators, and community organisers from Meghalaya, whose efforts show that sustainable change is driven by many committed hands.
A Festival Rooted in Stories, Craft, and Conscious Living
Winter Tales 2025 promises an immersive three-day celebration reinforcing the key messaging that Meghalaya’s culture thrives when creativity, community, and sustainability move together.
Book your tickets now for this one-of-a-kind experience at Ward’s Lake, Shillong. Tickets and further details are available at: https://wintertales.in/tickets/
