Meghalaya is the abode of a number of tribal communities who have settled down in large numbers. As per the observation of eminent anthropologists, each and every member of these tribes of Meghalaya state have rightly contributed in creating the cultural heritage of the whole of the state so ennobled and enriched.

The major concentration of these tribes of Meghalaya state is found in places like Khasi and Jaintia hills. All of these tribes of Meghalaya state claim to be the descendants of the `Ki Hynniew Trep` or in general, called as Khasi-Pnars or Khasis. These tribes of Meghalaya jointly have the same way of life and customs.

The tribal people of Meghalaya are categorised in two major groups namely the Garos and Hynniewtrep. They are known to be the inhabitants of East Meghalaya and include the tribal groups namely Bhoi, Khasi and War who are part of the Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race.

Both the female and male members of these tribes of Meghalaya state have their own tradition of dresses and apparels. These tribes of Meghalaya state have a customary dress by the name `Jymphong`, which they normally wear at the time of festivals or in any other ceremonial occasions. These male dresses comprises of long sleeveless coat without any collar, fastened by `thongs` in the front. Apart from this Jymphong, these tribes of Meghalaya also are fond of Dhoti along with a decorative waistband. Women clothes of these tribes of Meghalaya are intricate with numerous pieces of clothes, which givethe body a `cylindrical look`.

These tribes of Meghalaya have a treasure of some mouthwatering food. Fish, rice, mutton are hot favorites to almost all the tribes of Meghalaya state. At the times of social fests, rice beer is a necessity.

Just like many other tribal communities of Indian subcontinent, these tribes of Meghalaya too follow the norms of matrilineal society. The lineage and the inheritance drew from the clans of the mother. In some of the tribes of Meghalaya, the youngest daughter has been entitled to take over the inherited property.

Following the tradition of other tribal communities, these tribes of Meghalaya too have developed orientation towards religion and also other spiritual beliefs also. Hinduism, Buddhism are being followed by these tribes of Meghalaya. The chief religion of these tribes of Meghalaya is Christianity. Certain popular myths are also popular amongst these tribes of Meghalaya which give indication of their ancient beliefs. According to these tribes of Meghalaya, before the arrival of Christianity, they have got faith in `The Creator` - U Blei Nongthaw`. Besides, there are numerous deities of water, of mountains and also of other natural objects under this supreme deity who are worshipped by the tribal people of Meghalaya.

Marriage has been regarded to be one of the institutions in the entire community of the tribes of Meghalaya. Certain norms and rituals are rightly being followed by all these tribes of Meghalaya. Marriage within a tribe is banned and has also been considered to be inviolable. At the time of wedding also these tribes of Meghalaya, have a custom of exchanging rings or betel-nut bags between the bride and the bridegroom. In the Christian families, however, marriage is merely a social bond.

The Garos are the part of the Bodo family, who belong to the Tibeto-Burman race. This tribal community is hailed from Tibet and inhabit in the Achik-land. The Garos are basically the inhabitants of Garo Hills, in Bangladesh and Assam.

The Garo tribal community occupies a major part of tribal communities of Meghalaya. Ethnicity of dresses makes them distinguishable. Generally the women of this community wear clothes around their waist and vest or blouse to cover the upper part of the body. Men wear turban with their traditional dresses. During their festive occasions, men and women of this community wear a typical headgear decked with beads, feathers of hornbill and they also prefer to wear bangles around their wrist.

The food habit of the Garo people is simple. Rice is their staple food and they prefer to take rice with capsicum, onion and salt. Meat is eaten by almost all people of this group and liquor is consumed during festive occasions.

Garos have matriarchal social structure and marriage in the same clan is considered as punishable offense.