Shillong: In the hills of northeast India lies a unique village where people do not call each other by name but sing their names instead. The village, called Kongthong, is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Known as India’s whistling village, Kongthong follows a centuries-old tradition in which every person has a name made of a melody.

Recently, traveler Anu Sharma shared a video on social media showing this special tradition. In the video, she asks a local woman her name, and the woman replies by whistling a tune. That tune, Anu explains, is her name. Each person in Kongthong has their own musical name given lovingly by their mother, a custom passed down for generations.

Around 700 people live in this small village, and each has a different tune as their name. The villagers call each other by whistling instead of speaking.

This custom is known as Jingrwai Lawbei, which means the song of the first mother of the clan. It highlights the matrilineal culture of the Khasi community, where family lineage is traced through the mother and women play a central role in society.

Each person in Kongthong usually has three names a long tune given at birth by the mother, a shorter tune for daily use, and a regular name for official purposes. The long tune can last up to 30 seconds, while the shorter one is about 10 seconds. Every tune is unique, and once a person passes away, their melody is never used again.

In 2021, the Indian Ministry of Tourism nominated Kongthong for the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s award for the best tourism village in the world. This brought international attention to this musical community.

Kongthong is also known for broom making, one of its main cottage industries. Tourists visiting the village can stay in traditional Khasi huts and experience the rich local culture. The music of the names, the peaceful environment, and the strong traditions make Kongthong one of the most charming and unusual villages in India.