Humans are fascinating creators, and this creativity shines through uniquely in Meghalaya’s Kongthong Village or often known as ‘the singing village or whistling Village of Meghalaya’! Every resident has a whistling lullaby as their name, weaving a harmonious tapestry of community and connection (MDoNER).
Agartala May 2: In the lush hills of Meghalaya lies a village that celebrates human creativity in a truly musical way. Kongthong, popularly known as the “Whistling Village” or “Singing Village” of Meghalaya, stands out for its enchanting tradition where every resident is identified not just by a name, but by a unique tune composed by their mother.
Where Names Are Melodies
Nestled in the East Khasi Hills, approximately 60 kilometers from Shillong- the capital city of Meghalaya—Kongthong Village is home to an extraordinary cultural practice. Instead of using spoken names for calling one another, villagers here use a special melody or whistled tune. This has earned the village its lyrical nicknames.
Each person in Kongthong has two identifiers: a conventional name and a unique musical name. These melodic names come in two forms—a short tune, often used within the household, and a longer version used in open spaces such as fields or forests.
A Maternal Legacy Passed Through Generations
The musical names, known locally as Jingrwai Iawbei, which translates to “melody in honor of the first ancestress” in the Khasi language, carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. According to researcher Piyashi Dutta, each Khasi clan traces its lineage back to a root ancestress, and the creation of a musical name for a newborn is a way to honor this maternal figure.
The Jingrwai Iawbei is more than a tune—it’s a symbolic gesture of respect and remembrance. The tradition is steeped in matrilineal values that form the core of the Khasi community, Dutta explained.
700 Residents, 700 Songs
Kongthong has a population of about 700 people, and remarkably, each individual has their own distinct melody. These musical names are composed exclusively by the mothers shortly after a child is born.
Quoting ANI, Zeenews.india.com wrote, Phiwstar Khongsit, a member of the Khasi tribe and a resident of the village, said, the tune I respond to was composed by my mother after my birth. If someone from the village passes away, their tune dies with them—it’s never reused. This tradition has continued through generations, and though we don’t know when it began, it remains a source of pride and identity for all of us.
A Whistled Language of Communication
Beyond being symbolic, these tunes also serve a functional purpose. Villagers frequently use the melodies to communicate across distances—especially in hilly terrain, jungles, or agricultural fields—where regular shouting may be ineffective.
Jipson Sohkhlet, another local, shared, “When someone is in the forest or away in the fields, we use the longer version of the tune to call out to them. The short version is for use within the household.
In a X post, ANI reported, “Approximately 700 individuals live in this village, which means we have about 700 unique tunes,” said Jipson Sohkhlet. “When someone passes away, their melody fades with them and is never reused again.”
#WATCH | Meghalaya: A unique village Kongthong, also known as the ‘Whistling Village’ is located in the East Khasi Hills district, about 60 km from Shillong where people use whistling as a method to convey their message to each other. (20.02) pic.twitter.com/UuXPiejAHs
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2023
Tradition Spreading Beyond Kongthong
This soulful practice of melodic naming is now catching the attention of nearby villages, with some communities in Meghalaya beginning to adopt the custom.
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In recognition of its unique cultural heritage and sustainable tourism potential, the Ministry of Tourism nominated Kongthong for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Best Tourism Villages award in 2022. The village was selected alongside two other Indian villages for this global recognition.
A Living Symphony of Identity
Kongthong continues to captivate visitors and researchers alike, not just for its breathtaking landscapes, but for the living symphony woven into the very fabric of everyday life. In this village, identity isn’t just spoken—it’s sung, whistled, and passed down with love, making it a remarkable example of how culture, nature, and community can harmoniously co-exist.
