Government of IndiaFootball
Northeast India is home to many football lovers, and the region has produced some of the finest football players in the country. Shillong is no stranger to this football passion, and shares a long history with the sport. In the late twentieth century, the city saw the creation of its first football clubs, like the Shillong Town Club, Christian Athletic Club (CAC), and Hills United Club, as they competed for the "Earl Cup." Star players from that era included intellectuals and community leaders such as Rai Sahib Hormu Diengdoh, who went on to become the Editor of the first Khasi newspaper "U Khasi Mynta," and Josing Rynjah, who served as the President of the Laban Sports Club.
In 2009, Shillong Lajong FC created history when they became the first team from Northeast India to qualify for the elite I-League. This created other opportunities for players and teams from the region, and Shillong established a solid framework for developing these new talents.
Fashion
The Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Emporium in the Police Bazar sells ethnic weaves, traditional Garo and Jaintia apparels, and a variety of bamboo souvenirs. Other than being famous for its traditional textiles, Shillong is also a modern fashionista’s paradise. This is partly due to Shillong being exposed to different styles and aesthetics through the influence of Western and East Asian pop culture. As Shillong developed into an educational hub, young minds from neighbouring towns and states poured into the city. The city's style slowly grew to cater to their trendy tastes and it became a treasure trove for vintage and modern fashion enthusiasts.
Happy Valley in Shillong has some of the best thrift and pre-loved goods stores, with something to suit everyone's taste. It also has a sizable number of Mizo expats who usually manage these trendy boutiques. Police Bazar and Iewduh or Bara Bazaar are also well known for clothes and accessories shopping.
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Café Culture
Shillong is a coffee lover's paradise and is famed for its charming cafés that have carved a niche in the city's lifestyle. Dylan Café, located on Tripura Castle Road, is a homage to the musical great, Bob Dylan and the cafe’s interiors reflect his impact on Shillong’s musical scene. Bob Dylan's iconic songs can still be heard in Shillong's homes and eateries. Lou Majaw of Meghalaya has also been heralded as "India's Bob Dylan." Bob Dylan's significant effect in the region is palpable as in 2007, 1,730 guitarists gathered in the Polo Grounds to perform their rendition of Bob Dylan's classic "Knocking on Heaven's Door."
Shillong’s narrow lanes are dotted with food and coffee joints, with each neighbourhood having its own favourites. One such well-known establishment is Café Shillong, Laitumkhrah, which is especially popular on weekends when it has live performances. Apart from its music, the cafe’s balcony allows you to bask in the stunning views of the city while sipping a cappuccino.
Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong is a vibrant celebration of the cherry blossoms that blanket the city in a sea of pink and white hues. This festival, often referred to as the ‘India International Cherry Blossom Festival,’ is an annual event that typically takes place in November when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The festival is a unique and enchanting experience that combines the beauty of nature with cultural festivities. The festival often hosts musical performances by local and national artists, adding a layer of entertainment to the celebration. Traditional folk music, rock bands, and other music genres grace the stage, catering to diverse musical tastes.
Bacardi NH7 Weekender
Bacardi NH7 Weekender is a popular music festival in India, organised by OML Entertainment and sponsored by Bacardi. It features a diverse lineup of artists from various music genres and takes place in multiple cities like Shillong, Pune, and Kolkata. The festival offers live performances by both Indian and international artists and includes art installations, food stalls, and cultural experiences. Known for its inclusive and vibrant atmosphere, it promotes independent and emerging artists, making it a significant platform for India's music scene. Known as the Rock Capital of India, Shillong was added to this festival lineup in the year 2015.
Autumn Festival
The Autumn Festival in Shillong, held in October, is a vibrant celebration of Meghalaya's rich tribal culture, featuring music, dance, and various cultural activities. This festival showcases the diversity of Meghalaya's tribes, such as the Khasis, Garos, and Jaintias, through traditional music, fashion shows, sports competitions, and delicious food. It marks the beginning of the Autumn season and serves as a platform to exhibit the region's culture and provides entertainment for tourists. Events include fashion shows, food and wine festivals, flower shows, music performances, sports competitions, kite flying, and opportunities for local artisans to sell their handicrafts.
Shillong Chamber Choir
The Shillong Chamber Choir, founded by Neil Nongkynrih in 2001, gained widespread recognition after winning the second season of India's Got Talent in October 2010. The team is composed of 11 members occasionally accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. The choir is known for its versatile performances that seamlessly blend Western classical music with Indian melodies and rhythms. Notably, they showcased their talent at the Rashtrapati Bhavan during the state visit of US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama to India. The choir's repertoire spans diverse musical genres, including choral renditions of Bollywood classics and collaborations in fusion music with artists from various traditions. Proficient in over 15 languages, including Khasi, French, and Hindi, the choir's music explores themes ranging from love and relationships to social issues and spirituality, reflecting the cultural diversity of India.
Shillong Literary Festival
Since its inception in 2021, the Shillong Literary Festival has become a beacon for literary enthusiasts, transcending borders and inviting participants on a captivating literary journey. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ward's Lake, the festival offers a diverse range of events. Throughout the event, captivating book launches, musical and poetic performances, interactive open mic sessions, and intellectual quizzes contribute to a multifaceted experience for attendees. The fusion of storytelling and music adds a unique charm to the festival, creating an immersive experience for all. The Shillong Literary Festival has firmly established itself as a cultural hub, where creativity, thought, and cultural exchange converge in a celebration of literature and the arts.
Shillong Smart City
In 2015, the Government of India had launched the Smart Cities Mission. Shillong was selected to be the 100th Smart City in July, 2018.
The main objective of the Shillong Smart City project is to increase the city’s economic growth while also improving the quality of life of its residents. This shall be achieved by developing urban settlements with core infrastructural facilities while also harnessing these settlements with a clean and sustainable environment. Existing areas including slums, are being redeveloped into better planned areas, while new and improved urban infrastructure and technology, data and information are being deployed to foster Smart Solutions.
The Shillong Smart City Limited (SSCL) is a public limited company and has been registered as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that acts as the main planning and implementation body. The SSCL aims to transform Shillong city into the economic and cultural hotbed of Meghalaya. Shillong is thus making rapid strides towards achieving a more thriving economy and a more inclusive, liveable, sustainable city based on citizen-centric governance.
Some of the key initiatives include ‘Smart Mobility’, ‘C&G Neighbourhoods’ or Clean and Green Liveable Neighbourhoods, ‘Environmental Monitoring’, ‘Tourism and Recreational Facilities Development’, ‘Retro Fitting’ and ‘ Pan City Projects’ involving ‘Integrated Command and Control Centre and Smart Elements’.
Recognizing the ongoing need to position itself for the digital future, Indian Culture is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture. A platform that hosts data of cultural relevance from various repositories and institutions all over India.
The Indian Culture Portal is a part of the National Virtual Library of India project, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The portal has been created and developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. Data has been provided by organisations of the Ministry of Culture.
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