Shopping & Handicrafts

Shopping & Local Handicrafts

Meghalaya is known for its traditional handicrafts, bamboo products, handwoven textiles, and indigenous jewelry. The state’s rich tribal culture reflects in its beautifully crafted souvenirs, making it a great place for shopping.

Here are the best souvenirs to buy in Meghalaya:

1. Handwoven Khasi & Jaintia Shawls

✅ Traditional handwoven textiles, made using indigenous looms.
✅ The Khasi “Tapmohkhlieh” and Jaintia “Eri Silk Stoles” are must-buys.
✅ Made from natural fibers like Eri Silk & Cotton, these shawls are lightweight and warm.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Bara Bazaar (Shillong), Police Bazaar (Shillong), Weaving Centers in Mawlynnong.

2. Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts

✅ Meghalaya’s artisans create beautiful bamboo products such as:
✔️ Bamboo baskets, storage containers & kitchenware.
✔️ Handwoven bamboo trays & mats for home decor.
✔️ Miniature bamboo furniture & eco-friendly toys.
✅ Crafted by Khasi, Jaintia & Garo artisans using sustainable techniques.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Shillong’s Bara Bazaar & Khasi Handicraft Centers.

3. Handmade Beaded Jewelry & Tribal Ornaments

✅ Traditional Khasi, Garo & Jaintia beaded jewelry made from coral, glass beads & silver.
✅ Garo women wear multi-layered bead necklaces, while Khasi women wear gold filigree ornaments.
✅ Unique handcrafted silver & brass rings, earrings & bangles.

 Best Places to Buy:
 State Emporiums in Shillong, Bara Bazaar, Local Craft Fairs.

4. Bamboo Flutes & Indigenous Musical Instruments

✅ Meghalaya’s tribes are musically gifted, and their handcrafted instruments are a great souvenir.
✅ Popular instruments include:
✔️ Tangmuri (Traditional Khasi Flute) – Used in tribal dance festivals.
✔️ Dama (Garo Drum) – Used in the Wangala Festival.
✔️ Bamboo Panpipes & Percussion Instruments – Handmade by artisans.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Shillong Craft Markets, Local Tribal Fairs.

5. Wood Carvings & Traditional Masks

✅ Beautifully carved wooden figurines, masks & tribal sculptures.
✅ Represents Khasi & Garo mythology, folklore & festival masks.
✅ Perfect for home decor or collectors of tribal art.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Local Art Galleries in Shillong, State Government Craft Centers.

6. Organic Tea & Wild Honey

✅ Meghalaya produces some of the best organic teas & wild forest honey.
✅ Must-try varieties include:
✔️ Lakadong Turmeric Tea – High-curcumin, medicinal-grade turmeric.
✔️ Meghalaya Green & Black Tea – Grown in the hills of Khasi & Jaintia regions.
✔️ Wild Honey from Khasi Hills – Sourced from wild beehives & medicinal flowers.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Meghalaya Handloom & Handicrafts Emporium, Tea Farms in Shillong & Mawlynnong.

7. Khasi Bamboo Fishing Traps & Tools

✅ Handwoven bamboo fishing traps, used by Khasi & Jaintia fishermen.
✅ Also available: Handmade tribal knives & farming tools.
✅ A unique, traditional eco-friendly souvenir.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Local village markets in Cherrapunji & Nongpoh.

8. Traditional Earthen Pottery & Clay Utensils

✅ Handmade earthen pots, traditional Khasi cooking vessels & clay mugs.
✅ Often used for cooking rice & brewing rice beer (Kyat).
✅ Unique black pottery & tribal-inspired designs.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Shillong Art & Craft Stores, Local Tribal Fairs.

9. Handwoven Baskets & Eco-Friendly Bags

✅ Durable & sustainable bamboo baskets, handwoven by Khasi artisans.
✅ Eco-friendly handloom bags, perfect for shopping & daily use.
✅ Comes in colorful, natural fiber designs.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Bara Bazaar (Shillong), Mawlynnong Handicraft Stores.

10. Traditional Khasi Attire & Handmade Textiles

✅ Khasi women wear the “Jainsem”, a unique draped dress.
✅ Garo & Jaintia shawls & scarves, woven with tribal motifs & natural dyes.
✅ Handmade woolen carpets & blankets.

 Best Places to Buy:
 Khasi Emporiums in Shillong, Police Bazaar.