Exploring the Role of Folklore in Sustaining Cultural Tourism in Meghalaya

Meghalaya, known for its colourful customs, extensive oral history, and breathtaking scenery, has emerged as a major destination for cultural tourism in Northeastern India. The region's identity is fundamentally shaped by the rich history of customs, rituals, and folklore upheld by its indigenous groups, which are predominantly the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes. In Meghalaya, cultural tourism has grown to be a substantial industry, drawing tourists from both home and abroad who are interested in learning more about the distinctive traditions, celebrations, artwork, folklore storytellers, and way of life of the local tribes. This study explores the function of cultural tourism in Meghalaya, emphasizing how it advances sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and socioeconomic development. The state’s cultural tourism revolves around festivals, traditions, and folklore, these celebrations provide guests with the excitement of Meghalaya's dynamic culture as ancient myths, stories, songs, enchanting festivals, and traditional ceremonies, which play a vital role in supporting and advancing cultural tourism and provides an unforgettable adventure into the core of indigenous heritage. Furthermore, the study looks at how folklore tourism gives local people the chance to become more economically empowered through guided storytelling and ensuring the preservation of tourism centred around the folklore stories of Meghalaya which is crucial for sustaining the strong cultural legacy of its native communities, providing tourists with a more profound link to the ancient traditions and intriguing legends of the region.