The whistling tradition of Kongthong is an ancient practice that dates back hundreds of years. The village, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is home to the Khasi tribe, whose culture is deeply intertwined with nature and spiritual beliefs.
According to local customs, each child born in the village is assigned a special, unique whistle or tune by their mother, which becomes their personal identifier within the community. In the Khasi language it is called Jingrwai Iawbei, where Jingrwai means “song” and Iawbei means “great great grandmother.”
This practice likely evolved as a means of communication in the dense forests of Meghalaya, where sound travels better than names over long distances. Whistling serves as a way for people to call out to each other, whether in the fields, the forest, or from one hilltop to another.
The personalised whistles are often melodic and are passed down as part of the community’s heritage. Each whistle is as distinctive as a name. In this way, the whistle becomes an intimate and personal symbol of identity.
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Reaching Kongthong is an adventure in itself. Situated 55 km from Shillong, the village is accessible by hired cabs and is a popular day-trip destination. However, visitors should be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride. The road leading up to the village, especially the last 20 km, is still under construction and in poor condition.
The terrain is uneven and the road can be particularly challenging for two-wheelers. Until the road work is completed, it’s advisable to travel on four-wheelers or hire cabs to ensure a more comfortable journey.
Those wishing to spend more time in Kongthong can opt to stay in the Traveler’s Nest. In fact, it is the only option available. This traditional hut, designed to reflect the local architecture and lifestyle, provides a cosy and authentic experience.
The lone hut can accommodate up to four people, making it ideal for small groups or families. For Rs 4000 per night (breakfast included), it offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the simplicity and beauty of the village life, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Khasi hills.
The whistling tradition of Kongthong is a beautiful and extraordinary example of how human creativity and nature can intertwine. It reflects a time when communication was intimate and personal. A time when every sound had meaning and when community ties were strengthened by the most simple of gestures – a whistle.
As the world modernises and shifts toward digital communication, Kongthong offers a living reminder that there are other, more organic ways of connecting with one another.
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The thumbnail shows a serene view of Kongthong village in Meghalaya, renowned for its unique whistling tradition.
Atiqur Rahman is a Delhi-based photographer who hails from Nagaland.
