By APARMITA DAS | SHILLONG:Â
“Plants, trees, music, food, and your joy… What else could this celebration demand? The earth belongs to all, and you belong to Earth, cherish every bit of it,” whispered the Winter Tales festival, a sentiment delicately displayed on one of its boards beneath the twinkling lights at Ward’s Lake, until it gently faded away.
This poetic proclamation became the beating heart of Winter Tales, as the chilly December air draped Ward’s Lake in winter’s embrace. The festival unfolded like a nostalgic winter tale, where amidst the crowd and the crisp chill, a welcoming warmth embraced one upon entry. The usually serene lake came alive with the magic of Winter Tales.
Adding to the nostalgia, Ward’s Lake, known for its lakeside with white barricades, transformed into an archival haven. A makeshift display area housed numerous old memories of Shillong, each narrating a chapter of its history. One such memory was dedicated to none other than Khasi poet U Soso Tham, whose pioneering work initiated secular literature with a singular and genuine diction.
The display, however, didn’t showcase his renowned poems but rather offered a more intimate glimpse into his life–a letter to his son, Primrose Gatphoh. One such letter read, “My dear boy, Received with thanks your photo and letter. Pleased with the progress you are making in photography but still some disappointments, your grammar and spelling are more wretched than ever. Your supervisor would have been more pleased with you if they had noticed the progress you are making in your English, and your promotion would be as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow…” Reading these personal lines brought smiles to the faces of those who visited the fest, turning it into a cherished chronicle, a living reflection of the rich history of Shillong’s past.
With every turn at the lake, a new story unfolded. An art zone dedicated to 45 artists offered a vibrant kaleidoscope of creativity. Amidst this, George Suting, a plein air painter, sat in a quiet corner, far away from the bustling art zone. He delicately painted a view of the main stage, capturing the scenic beauty of Ward’s Lakeside.
George, a man of few words but a canvas filled with expression, shared, “I express my artistic talent through acrylic painting. My art journey began in childhood, nurtured as a beloved hobby, and now I aspire to elevate it into a professional pursuit. My skills were honed at a centre in Umsohsun, Shillong, where I learned for about three years.”
In the vibrant art zone, every corner breathed with fresh art forms. Jeffrey Mawlong, meticulously crafting a Winter Tales view through collage art, cut tiny pieces from a magazine brand and stuck them on a board. Other artists, like Rahul Surong and Carlos Andy Dkhar, showcased their prowess in carving painting and live sketching, respectively. Benedict Hynniewta, adept in both sketching and painting, caught the eye with his versatile talent.
Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi, lovingly known as Bah Kups, created unique artworks using soil and clay, demonstrating his skills in colour pigments. Kharlukhi, also skilled in oil painting, even crafted a 2024 calendar adorned with his artworks.
In the zone, people were lost in their beautiful world of art. The richness of talent displayed by these artists echoed the necessity for a permanent art gallery in Shillong. An art gallery would not only preserve these masterpieces but also serve as a constant source of inspiration for the city, fostering a culture of art appreciation and creativity for generations to come.
In this lively artistic haven, creativity was not confined to canvases alone. Photographs, not in the usual manner but hanging in the air, swayed gently in the cool breeze, exposing their naked essence. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” they say, and this held true for the photographs that adorned the space.
Notable among them was Embor Sayo’s portrayal of the tales of Noh-ka-likai, shrouded in mystery, a figure of a woman draped in a cloak, inviting viewers to interpret the narrative. Jerry Lucius Pyrthuh showcased the essence of ‘Home’ through his photographs broadly titled Shnong (translated into English as village). The photographs depicted the lives of Iing Kmie, Jing Khang Heh, Duwan, Shang Kwai, Lon Kmie, Kam Iing, Kam-ai, Teh Kpoh, Shang Thylli, and Cadwell Manners, showcasing the picture of Kong Khmoin, a marathon runner.
Another turn and a mysterious creature was seen roaming near the main stage, a creation by The Humble Craftsmen. “I call it Still Spirit,” he said, beaming with pride. “It took me about a week to bring it to life.” The creature, with four legs and a skeletal mask, drew a crowd. Visitors huddled around, eager to capture a photo with it, while others bent down just to catch a glimpse of its intricate features. A brilliant craft indeed, capturing the spirit of Winter Tales in a spooky, enchanting form.
On the opposite side of the main stage, across the lake, a lively market unfolded–the Farmers’ Market. Smiling faces of Kongs greeted everyone passing by. Amidst the stalls, Stimon Kharmudai sat proudly showcasing her harvest of oranges, sohphlang, and bananas.
“I am from Laitdiengsai, Laitlum. Being part of Winter Tales brings me so much joy. My oranges are incredibly sweet, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here. Business is going pretty well,” Kharmudai shared while handing over a bunch of sohphlang to a customer. With a hopeful smile, she added, “I dream of taking my harvest to other parts of the country. I’ve heard that many farmers got to go to Bengaluru and Delhi with their harvest, so perhaps someday I can too.”
Far away from the bustling Farmers’ Market, the dulcet tones of Maya Lyngdoh, a virtuoso singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist, resonated through the air. Much like the mellifluous call of a cuckoo bird, her voice wafted as sweet as honey, drawing a crowd around the stage
“I am also a music teacher, so join me in this song, let’s get the notes right,” she warmly invited, engaging with the audience between her sets. The crowd enthusiastically joined her as she sang a melodious Khasi song, creating a harmonious symphony of voices.
The stage was graced by other talented artistes on the final day, including Pynter Orchestra, Larger than 90s, a funky five-piece band; Soulgroove, a fusion of Soul and Reggae; 4th Element, masters of funk, jazz, R&B, and soul; DappestxAdl, a Shillong-based Artist-Producer duo, and many more.
Winter Tales held diverse aspirations…to be the local voice by sourcing everything locally, to make green choices evident in the placement of eco-friendly dustbins in every corner of the lake, to host workshops and demonstrations, manage waste, promote ecotourism, and celebrate music, food, and indigenous cuisine. The festival encompassed all these facets and more.
“Let the Christmas cookies be the legacy of our next generation, not microplastics,” conveyed another board, encapsulating the festival’s commitment to sustainability. As the final notes of Maya’s soulful melody lingered in the crisp air, and the twinkling lights reflected in the lake’s serene waters, it was clear that Winter Tales had transcended beyond being just a festival; it had evolved into a celebration of art, culture, and sustainability. It resounded with the call for a lasting legacy that harmonises with the heart of the community and preserves the environment for generations to come.