GUWAHATI: Kongthong, the enchanting whistling village nestled in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, has been honoUred with the prestigious ‘Best Tourism Village (Bronze)’ award at the National Tourism Awards 2023 by the Ministry of Tourism.
Kongthong, popularly called the “singing village”, is a village and tourist attraction in the East Khasi Hills district.
This remarkable recognition was bestowed upon Kongthong by the India government, at a glittering ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Among dignitaries, Union minister of state for tourism and defence, Ajay Bhatt; Union secretary (tourism), V. Vidhyavathi; Union secretary Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Leena Nandan and additional secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri. Rakesh Kumar Verma were present at the function.
Mechalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma said “I am immensely proud to announce that Kongthong, our enchanting whistling village, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Tourism Village (Bronze)’ award for 2023 by the Ministry of Tourism. This recognition is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that Meghalaya has to offer. Kongthong’s melodious whistles echo the harmony of our diverse traditions and the serenity of our landscapes. The second large-scale employment generator for our State is the Tourism sector. Our goal is to transform Meghalaya into India’s most preferred tourist destination. We now have one of the most attractive Homestay Schemes in the country, providing a subsidy of up to 7 lakh rupees per homestay. About 300 homestays were sanctioned in the last year. We target to build another 2,000 homestays in the next five years. The luxury vehicles scheme is another success and is being diversified to include mini-buses and caravans. The Government will also build new infrastructure like large accommodation units, experiential centres, amusement parks and viewing galleries in about 100 new villages to expand tourism beyond the established clusters.”
“Kongthong, the whistling village in Meghalaya, stands as a harmonious testament to the rich cultural tapestry of our nation. This ‘Best Tourism Village’ award for 2023, is a resounding tribute to the enduring traditions and breathtaking landscapes that define our country. We are constantly working towards improving the tourism landscape in our state through various innovative programmes and schemes like PRIME Tourism Vehicles, Homestay Scheme, Tourist Villa Scheme, Caravan etc,” said Dr Vijay Kumar, commissioner and secretary, the tourism department, Meghalaya.
The Ministry of Tourism has long been committed to promoting sustainable and culturally enriching tourism experiences across the country.
Kongthong, often referred to as the Whistling Village, boasts a unique cultural heritage that has captivated the hearts of travellers worldwide. With a population of approximately 750 inhabitants, this Meghalayan gem has preserved a tradition known as “Jingrwai Iawbei,” which translates loosely to the “song of the first clan lady.”
This tradition assigns a unique tune to each child upon their birth, a melody that they carry with them throughout their lives. This cherished practice has been upheld by the people of Kongthong since time immemorial.
