- 21 January every year
- Full state since 1972
- Capital Shillong
Where it began
Meghalaya means abode of the clouds, a name that suits its misty, rainy hills. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills were once part of Assam.
On 2 April 1970 Meghalaya was made an autonomous state within Assam. Under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act of 1971 it became a full state on 21 January 1972, the same day as Manipur and Tripura.
Statehood gave the hill people their own government and assembly, with Shillong as the capital.
How it grew over time
Before 1970
The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills are part of Assam.
2 April 1970
Meghalaya is formed as an autonomous state within Assam.
21 January 1972
Meghalaya becomes a full state with Shillong as its capital.
Today
The day is marked with state functions, awards and cultural shows.
How it is celebrated in different places
Shillong
The main function with flag hoisting, speeches and music.
Garo Hills
Tura and nearby towns hold dances, songs and sports.
Khasi and Jaintia Hills
Local groups perform traditional dances and choirs sing.
Meghalaya Statehood Day moments
Meghalaya Statehood Day today
People share greetings, enjoy music, which is much loved in Meghalaya, and celebrate the dress, food and festivals of each community. It is a day of pride in the land of living root bridges and cloud filled valleys.
