Shyntor Festival to Spotlight Village’s Development Needs

Nongpoh, September 18: A three-day Shyntor Festival will be held in Shyntorbulia in December to highlight the development challenges faced by the remote village and draw the attention of the government and district administration to its basic infrastructure needs.

The festival is being organised by the Rongjeng Welfare Foundation, Shillong, in collaboration with the Shyntorbulia Dorbar Shnong. The second edition of the festival will be held from December 10 to 12, 2026, following the first edition in 2025.

Located around 30 kilometres from the Ri Bhoi district headquarters in Nongpoh, Shyntorbulia falls under the Nongpoh Constituency and has around 63 households and a population of more than 400.

Despite its proximity to Nongpoh, the village continues to face major infrastructure challenges, particularly the lack of a proper paved road connecting it to the outside world. During the monsoon, residents also face difficulties crossing the Umsha and Umsiang rivers. The existing vehicle bridge, made largely of wooden logs, becomes vulnerable when water levels rise.

The village also requires support in areas such as education, roads and footpaths, drinking water and other basic infrastructure. According to the organisers, the festival is intended not only to showcase the village but also to raise funds towards addressing some of its local needs.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Rongjeng Welfare Foundation Director Babul Gogoi, Event Production Lead Ranjan Bhattacharjee, Shyntorbulia Headman Rowel Mawphniang and Secretary Slembor Laloo said one of the key objectives of the festival was to bring the village’s development concerns to the attention of the government.

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They said Shyntorbulia is surrounded by the Umsha and Umsiang rivers and a waterfall near Pahamriñai, making it a naturally scenic destination with considerable tourism potential.

The festival will feature local and international artists, singers and musicians, DJ nights, a football tournament and other sporting activities. Traditional dance and music, indigenous food, weaving, traditional cooking and other aspects of the village’s cultural heritage will also be showcased.

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The organisers have invited visitors from across Meghalaya and other parts of the country to attend the festival. Those wishing to stay overnight have been encouraged to bring their own tents.

The organisers expressed hope that the festival would help promote Shyntorbulia village while generating greater attention and support for its development needs.