Festivals & Events
newsNongkrem Dance on 1–2 November and the 50th Wangala on 12–14 November: Meghalaya's Festival Month
Meghalaya's November opens with the Nongkrem Dance at Smit and builds to the golden jubilee 100 Drums Wangala Festival near Tura. Dates, places and visitor etiquette.
November brings two of Meghalaya's biggest traditional festivals. The Nongkrem Dance is on 1 and 2 November at Smit near Shillong, and the 100 Drums Wangala Festival marks its 50th year on 12 to 14 November near Tura in the Garo Hills.
| Festival | Dates | Where | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nongkrem Dance | 1 and 2 November 2026 | Smit, East Khasi Hills | Thanksgiving festival of Hima Khyrim |
| 100 Drums Wangala | 12 to 14 November 2026 | Asanang, near Tura, West Garo Hills | Garo harvest festival, 50th edition |
Nongkrem Dance, Smit
The Syiem of Hima Khyrim, Balajied Syiem, announced the dates on 28 September and invited people from across the state to attend, The Shillong Times reports. Nongkrem is a religious thanksgiving for the well-being and prosperity of Hima Khyrim, with young men and women dancing in traditional dress and ornaments. Smit is about 15 km from Shillong.
100 Drums Wangala, Garo Hills
The Hundred Drums Wangala Festival began in 1976 and celebrates the Garo harvest. For the golden jubilee, the festival committee met Meghalaya's Tourism Minister to plan this year's edition, according to The Shillong Times. Expect bigger crowds than usual, so book stays in Tura early.
What it means for travellers
- Nongkrem is a sacred ceremony, not a show. Dress modestly and ask before taking close-up photos.
- Tura is a long drive from Shillong and Guwahati. Allow at least three days for Wangala.
- The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival follows on 20 and 21 November, so November is a good month to combine festivals.
See Breeziah's guide to Khasi culture and festivals and the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 guide.
On 1 and 2 November 2026 at Smit, about 15 km from Shillong.
The 100 Drums Wangala Festival is on 12 to 14 November 2026 near Tura, and it is the festival's 50th edition.
Yes. The Syiem of Hima Khyrim has invited the public. Treat it as a religious ceremony and ask before photographing people.
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