Society and Culture of Meghalaya

The original inhabitants of this state are Khasis, Jaintias and Garos who are predominantly tribal . A common cultural tradition of all the tribes of Meghalaya is the matriarchal law of inheritance by which, custody to property and succession of family position runs through the female line, passing from the mother to the youngest daughter, instead of the male line as is common elsewhere in the country.Men marry and live with their wives’ families in a traditional society.

Animism (the worship of nature deities and other spirits), Hinduism, and Christianity are the main
religions. There is small communities of muslims, Buddhists and Sikhs.Traditional customs are maintained, and religious festivals include varied forms of dance, an important element in the local culture.

Drinking and dancing to the accompaniment of music from buffalo horn (singas,) bamboo flutes, and drums are integral parts of religious ceremonies and social functions. Marriages are exogamous. The advent of Christianity in the mid-19th century, along with its strict morality, has disrupted many of the tribal and communal institutions.

Festivals, apart from those of the Christian faith, are held annually. This is a time when the ancestral spirits are appeased, following sowing and harvesting. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, or the Nongkrem dance, is one of the most important Khasi festivals. Shad Sukmynsiem is another important festival of the Khasis. Behdiengkhlam, the most significant festival of the Jaintias is celebrated in July. Wangala, is the prominent festival of the Garos and is dedicated to the Sun God.