Meghalaya’s Jingkieng Jri on UNESCO World Heritage list bid

Shillong, Jan 29: India’s nomination dossier “Jingkieng Jri/ Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape, Meghalaya” was formally submitted by HE Vishal V Sharma, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO to Lazare Assomo Eloundou, Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre for consideration of possible inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list in the 2026-27 evaluation cycle.

While submitting the dossier, Ambassador Vishal V Sharma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma, Principal Secretary FR Kharkongor, officers of the Achaeological Survey India, Ministry of External Affairs, experts and the local communities guarding the property of this historic nomination.

Located across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, the nominated property represents the exceptional living cultural landscape shaped over centuries by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities. The landscape reflects a deep-rooted and harmonious relationship between people, nature, and spirituality embodied in traditional systems of land use, governance, and ecological stewardship.

Central to this cultural landscape is the indigenous worldview anchored in principles of respect, reciprocity and responsibility toward Mei Ramew (Mother Earth).

The submission of this nomination dossier underscores India’s commitment to recognizing and preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage, particularly the living traditions and knowledge systems of indigenous communities and to advancing global heritage conservation efforts through UNESCO.