Kongthong: The Village Where Melodies Replace Names

Shillong, India Aug 23, 2026 ALN: – Dr. Dipon Sharmah

Have you ever heard of a place where people don’t use names, but call out to each other using special tunes? Before I visited Kongthong, a beautiful little village in India, I had only read stories about this unique tradition. In this village, a mother composes a unique melody for her child immediately after they are born. This tune becomes the child’s identity for life. Whenever someone wants to call them, they just sing the melody! When the person passes away, their special tune dies with them and is never given to anyone else.

The Journey into the Clouds

This summer, during a visit to Assam, my brother suggested a family trip to Kongthong, and I immediately agreed. One fine morning in mid-June, we started our exciting two-day journey. We were a happy group of eleven: my brother, a friend, our wives, and our kids, who were busy taking pictures for Instagram.
We left Guwahati early in the morning. The road to Shillong was very familiar. The climb was gradual, the air began to thin, serpentine roads appeared, drizzle accompanied us, and the light changed its quality as it traversed through the avenue trees, setting us into a new realm.
But the real magic started once we crossed Shillong and headed toward Kongthong. Nature became even more mesmerizing. The valleys got deeper, and all of a sudden, thick fog rolled in out of nowhere. It was an unusual time to experience fog at midday, in the middle of June. But there it was, drifting slowly between the pine trees and settling into the valley below us.
The temperature dropped, and the road narrowed to a single lane. It began to wind sharply. Along the entire twenty-six-kilometer stretch from Mawjrong to the village, we saw only two vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Google Maps was of little help here, so we stopped occasionally to ask locals if we were heading the right way. They always smiled and nodded, and their reassurance was more than enough.
That drive, through the misty mountains, I think, was one of the best parts of the whole journey. Not because anything happened. But because it was just the mountains, the valleys, the clouds, the fog, and our two cars going deeper and deeper into the hills. My brother and I looked at each other without saying anything; the scenery just reminded us of our own childhood days in Ragi Doke and Tirbin of Arunachal Pradesh.

A Melodious Chime

We finally reached Kongthong at about half past one in the afternoon. We had booked two huts at a community-run homestay called “The Traveller’s Nest”. After a hot meal and some rest, we set out to explore the village.
Our guides were two young tourism interns, Alva and Lucky, along with a homestay staff member named Barecy. Alva and Lucky were tourism students from Shillong, doing their internships in the village. They spoke Khasi, the local language, which made communication a bit challenging for us. However, the warmth of their hospitality and their eagerness to share their culture made the language barrier seem insignificant.

Kongthong is located in the East Khasi Hills district of , a state well-known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The village itself is a small settlement with about 600 inhabitants, predominantly belonging to the Khasi tribe. The Khasi people have a unique matrilineal society where lineage is traced through the mother, and this cultural aspect is reflected in their naming tradition.

The practice of using melodies instead of names is referred to as "jingthang," which translates to "the sound of the call." Each melody is carefully crafted, often drawing from the natural sounds of the environment or personal experiences. For instance, a mother might create a tune inspired by the sounds of birds, the rustling of leaves, or even a particular event that marked her child’s birth. This tradition not only fosters a deep emotional bond between the mother and child but also creates a distinct identity that is celebrated within the community.

As we walked through the village, we were greeted by locals who sang out the melodies of their family members, creating a harmonious atmosphere that echoed through the hills. It was a surreal experience to witness how deeply ingrained this practice is in their daily lives. The villagers would call out to each other with their unique tunes, and it was evident that this method of communication was both practical and affectionate.

During our exploration, we learned that the melodies are not just a means of identification but also serve as a way to express emotions. For example, a person might sing a particular melody to convey happiness, while another tune might be used to express sorrow or concern. This adds a layer of emotional depth to their interactions, making their communication more nuanced and meaningful.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the village, we gathered around a bonfire with some of the villagers. They shared stories of their lives, their traditions, and the significance of their melodies. It was fascinating to hear how the younger generation is trying to preserve this unique cultural heritage while also adapting to modern influences. Many of the youth are now using social media platforms to share their culture with a wider audience, striving to keep the tradition alive in a rapidly changing world.

The next day, we participated in a local festival that celebrated the community's agricultural practices. Traditional music filled the air, and the villagers danced joyfully, showcasing their vibrant culture. It was heartwarming to see how the melodies that define their identities were intertwined with their communal celebrations, reinforcing the bond among the villagers.

As our trip came to an end, I reflected on the profound impact that Kongthong and its melodious tradition had on me. It was a reminder of the importance of connection, not just through names but through the melodies that resonate with our identities. The experience of visiting Kongthong was not only a journey through breathtaking landscapes but also an exploration of a unique cultural heritage that has stood the test of time.

In a world where individualism often overshadows communal identity, the village of Kongthong stands as a testament to the beauty of tradition and the importance of nurturing our roots. The melodies that replace names serve as a poignant reminder that our identities are shaped by the connections we forge with those around us. As I left Kongthong, I carried with me not just memories of stunning vistas but also a deeper appreciation for the power of music and community in defining who we are.