Guwahati, May 14: The Union Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) held a high-level meeting with a delegation from Meghalaya’s famed Kongthong Whistling Village to discuss measures for preserving and promoting its unique whistling communication tradition and cultural heritage.
The meeting, chaired by Angshuman Dey, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, was held at the Ministry’s Jodhpur Officers’ Hostel in New Delhi on May 12.
Officials said the discussions focused on safeguarding the village’s centuries-old whistling communication system, under which every resident is identified through a distinct melodic tune instead of relying only on conventional names. The tradition, locally known as “jingrwai paidbah,” has made Kongthong internationally known as the “Whistling Village of India.”
Kongthong is home to the indigenous Khasi community, where personalised whistle tunes are composed by mothers for their children soon after birth. Villagers use these melodies to communicate across forests and hills, reflecting a unique oral tradition closely linked with nature and community life.
The meeting was attended by Richard L. Jongte, Deputy Adviser (IPR), North Eastern Council, senior MDoNER officials, and five representatives from Kongthong village, who shared insights on preserving the community’s cultural identity and traditional knowledge systems.
The deliberations also highlighted the need to balance heritage conservation with sustainable cultural tourism and community-led initiatives aimed at strengthening local livelihoods while protecting indigenous traditions.
Kongthong has in recent years emerged as a major cultural tourism destination and has drawn international attention through documentaries and tourism campaigns.
 held a high-level meeting with a delegation from Meghalaya’s famed Kongthong Whistling Village to discuss measures for preserving and promoting its unique whistling communication tradition and cultural heritage.){kind=link}