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JOURNEYS stories that changes the way we travel
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Why is Kohima one of the under-rated state capitals of India
JUNE 2020 ISSUE NO. 17
EVENTOURS
JOURNEYS stories of travel that changes the way we travel
4
COVER STORY
Kohima : The under-rated state capital of India
42
TRIP IN FOCUS: Textile
Tour of Assam 12
INTERVIEW
SHAHWAR HUSSAIN : The adventure motorcyclist from Northeast India
25
ARTICLE: Moatsu Festival
and Trip to Mokokchung 20
ARTICLE: Cry me a river -
Monks of Majuli River Island 31
FROM OUR BLOG
2
EDITORIAL
Interesting contemporary art festivals of Northeast India
PAGE 1 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
EDITORIAL Well, winter seems to be on a long run this time. However, with renewed hopes and things looking better than what it was yesterday, we are holding on to our faith. Through Eventours Journeys, we focus on the fact that our readers should feel like every feature is feeding their urge to travel - whether it is set in India, somewhere easily accessible in the world, or far more exotic. Eventours Journeys is not just a monthly e-magazine that is asking you to buy. These are stories. Stories that are close to our hearts. We do not tell you where to go, what to do, I am sure our readers are smart enough to judge for themselves their money’s worth. For our July until December editions, we are reaching out to our readers, viewers, subscribers, and practically anybody who is interested in travel to be a part of Eventours Journeys. We want everyone to tell us his or her stories. We will publish three articles every month from our readers. And some of them might be featured in our blog site www.beardedtravelingsoul.com
Eventours Travels as an experiential travel company is going through changes and this will be announced by the first week of August. The whole business module will change to a entry by invitation mode only. Our special interest tours will be available only through our partners. We believe every one of us deserves equal access to quality travel and a measured explanation for the price that we pay. At this crucial moment, travel companies are facing an unprecedented existential challenge. As businesses everywhere feel the pinch, the revenue that has long helped sustain our efforts continues to plummet. How, each one maps their future course of action is something that will be seen over time. The need of the hour is to sustain, collaborate, and create.
AMITABH SARMA PAGE 2 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
#AlternativeExperience
PHOTOGRAPH: John Mawer Chui, Mon, Nagaland
PAGE 3 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
COVER STORY
THE UNDERRATED STATE CAPITAL OF INDIA
Nagaland was declared a state on the 1st of December 1963 and ever since for 56 years Kohima has been the state capital, without even undergoing a name change.
While
features
in
major
travel
magazines across the globe, the glory of Kohima has been confined to the hornbill festival
and
the
blog
pictures
of
edible
insects floating around its markets. Kohima has
KOHIMA
Nagaland
been
one
of
the
most
under-rated
state capitals of India.
PAGE 4 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
A trip to Nagaland is not something that one can conjure up in a moment. It always requires planning. To the rest of India, a trip to Nagaland might sound a bit extreme to the popular tastes, for many being in Kohima is a point of arrival. Whatever the case, being in Kohima is always fascinating.
A local woman in Kohima Village
While Guwahati, which is in actuality the only city in
Kohima was fashionable back then too and now it
Northeast India, has always overshadowed most of
has grown exponentially. It was a shame to be
the towns in this region, Kohima as a commercial
seen in shambles in Kohima. It was said that the
hub loses out to Dimapur in Nagaland. A trip to
youths of Kohima back then dressed up even to go
Nagaland is not something that one can conjure up
to the beetle-nut shop, two floors down or the
in a moment. It always requires planning. To the
alley two blocks away. I guess it’s still true. The old
rest of India, a trip to Nagaland might sound a bit
bus station was lined with that they called "video
extreme to the popular tastes, for many being in
parlors".
Kohima is a point of arrival. Whatever the case, being in Kohima is always fascinating.
These mini cinema halls showed movies of Tom Cruise, Bruce Lee, and other Hollywood stars, on a
As you ascend the mountains from Dimapur, the
television connected to a video cassette player. I
yellow and white lights coated view of the hills of
never really remembered what the interiors looked
Kohima from Zubza village is a reminder that you
like; it was always dark and full of people, with
are in the extreme east of India. It is just half-past
vivid perfumes. Aha and I forgot, the South Korean
five.I have wonderful memories of Kohima from the
movies which to date have taken over the fashion
early nineties.
fad in Kohima. I never understood where and how it originated.
PAGE 5 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Unfortunately
back
in
the
early
nineties,
Kohima
Kohima has a lot to offer, both from as a travel
had its problems that originated in Dimapur and
destination as well as a research perspective of
spread out to other parts of Nagaland. Drugs and
Northeast India. Indeed, Kohima can be used as a
substance
point of start for understanding why youths from
abuse
and
subsequently
AIDS.
This
problem had its wings and roots in other cities that
this
have Shillong, Aizwal, Imphal, Guwahati, and even
higher education and need of employment.
in
pockets
Bangalore.
of
urban
Much
of
metros the
like
New
menace
Delhi
in
active
efforts
from
the
Naga
migrate
to
other
cities
in
search
of
and
Kohima
The world has always placeD Kohima as a historical World War 2 battlefield site, the "offbeat tourist" has viewed it as a colorful destination for 10 days
is
contained now.
With
region
Mothers'
Association and the Church, Kohima has shed off its affinity to drugs. The mothers association has been able to keep till date, Nagaland legally free from regular sale and usage of alcohol, a natural substitute for drugs.
While many argue that Kohima has always been lethargic to entrepreneurial endeavors, it would be wrong to brush of Kohima as a lazy, slow town. From the video parlors of the early nineties to the
The Kohima Cathedral: Located on the Aradura
modern night food bazaars, this town has been
hill, it is one of the biggest cathedrals in Northeast
very enterprising. Kohima has certainly been the
India.
under-rated state capital of India. The world has
cathedral
always placed Kohima as a historical World War 2
contributed generously to see its completion. The
battlefield site, the "offbeat tourist" has viewed it
Japanese
as
[prayer
a
colorful
destination
for
10
days
during
the
Japan's
gift.
began
wished
The
in
the
especially
actual
1986
and
church
for
the
to
work the
be
a
Japanese
of
the
Japanese
place
war
of
victims
Hornbill festival and the modern Indian backpacker
who laid down their lives in World War 2 in Kohima.
has labeled it as a point of arrival for its Dzukou
The architecture of the cathedral blends with the
Valley
landscape of Kohima and Naga tradition. The 16
trek,
a
wonderful
experience
which
Nagaland has always got to share with Manipur
feet high carved wooden crucifix is one of the largest in Asia. The cathedral was conceptualized by
the
first
bishop
of
Kohima,
Abraham
Alangi
Mattathil. A tomb is erected in his memory inside the complex.
The
Kohima
dedicated battle
in
War
to
the
April
Cemetery: British
1944.
The
It
soldiers Kohima
is
a
memorial
who
died
war
in
a
cemetery
comprising of 1420 burials was built and is being maintained
by
the
Commonwealth
War
Graves
Commission. The Battle of the tennis court was part
of
the
Battle
of
Kohima
during
the
Burma
campaign in World War 2. It is believed that the fiercest hand-to-hand combat took place in the garden of the Deputy Commissioner's bungalow around a tennis court.
PAGE 6 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Nagaland
State
Museum:
The
Nagaland
State
Khonoma
Village:
mixture
Khonoma is 78 Km from Dimapur Airport, southwest
into the traditional and cultural lifestyle of Nagas
of
and
Khonoma has an unwritten history of the Nagas
their
costumes,
equipment
dependent
on
weapons, and
traditional
sports,
more.
The
museum
is
and
easy
access
to
electricity
in
of
erstwhile
battlefield
town
valley
an
exhibits artifacts of the early Nagas, offers a peep
Kohima
lush
of
Museum in Kohima is a well-loaded museum that
lifestyle
and
A
Nagaland.
paddy
The
fields,
village
of
and the natives of this village gave one of the bloodiest
resistances
to
the
British
forces
from
restrooms is restricted. This is a nicely arranged
1859 to 1879. The change from a battle zone to
property
the
Asia's first green village is a story in itself. This
government has to sponsor on a more modern chic
quaint little Naga village of more than 700 years in
look.
existence is surrounded by farmlands that produce
that
needs
either
privatization
or
60 varieties of rice in a year. Touphema Tourist Village:Â Touphema village is 100 kilometers away from Dimapur Airport and is the
Dzuleke Village: An oddball tiny village consisting
last bastion on the Angami tribe in the state of
of 30 odd houses, South West of Kohima is Dzuleke
Nagaland.
of
village. It is approximately 40 km from Kohima but
huts, built by each clan from the tribe, houses a
with the given road conditions and the Nagaland
common
kitchen
with
Naga
topography, it will take you 2 hours to reach. This
symbols
like
"Mithun",
and
village lined with lush green evergreen rain forests,
wooden cups. The villagers added a museum to
is the epicenter of eco-tourism in Kohima. While
promote
eco-tourism is slightly over-rated at a lot of places
The
the
a
accommodation
Angami
facades
with
series
displaying
swords,
tribal
a
way
of
spears
life.
Exhibits
were collected from each household to fill up the
in India, in Dzuleke, it is in-built. The community is
museum. An open-air amphitheater was added to
involved, a community dominated by the Angami
be used for football matches and celebrating the
tribe.
annual Sekrenyi Festival in February. The cuisine is
Vegetable
local in the stay and food is prepared by local
buyers drop money as per the price in the boxes.
youths,
No overpricing, No shoplifting, and no bargaining.
the
mixture
of
corn
and
honey
in
your
Here
honesty shops
The
thrives
run
form.
Each individual who earns from eco-tourism has to
traditional Naga village.
deposit
Development
fund.
community
and
one to relax within the natural confinements of a
the
on
raw
Simple.
of
rolls
its
shopkeepers
breakfast table is a specialty. The village allows
10%
village
in
without
income
This
fund
in is
the
income.
Dzuleke
utilized
for
community development work. The main attraction of Dzuleke is "get involved with the community". You are always welcomed.
PAGE 7 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
MOUNTAIN TREK
D Z U K O U V A L L E Y
Maintained
by
Organization
(SAYO)
trek
is
nature's
thoughts.
The
the
Southern in
Kohima,
craftsmanship
valley
spreads
Angami the
done
across
Youth
Dzukou
valley
without the
stray
states
of
Nagaland and Manipur and is at an altitude of 2452 m.
The
Dzukou
valley
trek
has
two
flavors
–
the
summer and winter. While the summer trek takes you through colorful flowers woven on a green canvas, the
winter
one
is
on
a
frostbitten
green
canvas.
Each has its peril and sweetness.
Strangely as per Angami myth, Dzukou is considered a soulless dull region, a place where the dead rest before departing. The Dzukou valley is one of the most sought after experiences by the living, modern backpacker from mainland India. It is said, a river existed with water that heals and a white elephant roams the valley. I once remember, in my first trip to this
valley,
commercial
before tourist
it
was
circuit,
mapped
running
into
into a
the
village
headman, whose approval was needed to get water from a nearby river. The water was salty.
PAGE 8 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
DZUKOU VALLEY
Alluring destinations can get overshadowed when
The Tetseo sisters of the Chakaseng tribe and who
they are near other favorite towns. But they have much
always dresses in Naga costumes for their performances
to offer and Kohima does offer more than its tag of
were born and brought up in Kohima. Divine Connection,
being an under-rated state capital of India. Keds
Nagaland seasoned Christian rock band, though
Krome, educated in a fashion school in Bangalore, is
disintegrated now, were winners of the second edition
based in Kohima and her designs range from western
of India MTV's Rock On Show in 2010. Mercy Tetseo
clothing, bridal gowns to modern ethnic wear. Her
laments "We cannot blame people for this ignorance.
home-based workshop churns out junk jewel to classy
Indian students are not even taught the history of
outfits with traditional touches.
the Northeast in school. Even our national anthem does not mention us."
Owner and creator of Indian fashion label 'Alem Ozukum', Alem from Kohima says "You also need to be responsive, professional, more organized and selfdisciplined. I still do believe in my path and I am excited that I have a lot to learn in the coming years". Ikali Sukhalu, who won the Northeast Academy of Performing Arts designer award in 2013, is the creator of the Little Naga.
Vishu Rita Krocha, quit her job as a fulltime journalist, to devote time to Penthrill, a hub for poets and writers. Vipichu Tati from Khonoma village brings the unique combination of aesthetic dĂŠcor with the utilitarian adaption of Naga tribal art. The Testseo sisters have
"We cannot blame people for this ignorance. Indian students are not even taught the history of the Northeast in school. Even our national anthem does not mention us."
single-handedly taken Naga lyrics all over the world and made them popular across clubs in the country.
PAGE 9 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Indeed mainland India's thought process and contained geographical knowledge about east India has limited itself to Kolkata and Darjeeling. As a student and as a corporate professional in Delhi, I had to educate a lot there ; that Northeast India has seven states each with a state capital and people who lives in houses like everywhere else. Kohima with all its affinity to the South Korean lifestyle and
Southeast
Asian
outlook
is
a
beautiful
modern
town. It is not a late entrant of modern towns in India but was always progressive and advanced for decades. Sometimes travelers tend to overlook towns and cities, over
other
celeb
destinations,
sheer
out
of
lack
of
information.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN KOHIMA
"Northeast India has seven states each with a state capital and people who lives in houses like everywhere else!
Hotel Blue : Bayou: Modern hotel just opposite to the Kohima War Cemetery. Hotel Vivor: Hotel Vivor has 29 Charming rooms which are categorized into Standard, Premium, Deluxe,
Dovopie Inn: With soothing traditional decor, this inn at
Deluxe Suite, and Executive Suite & Niathu Presidential
Khonoma village, has six rooms and perhaps the café,
Suite.
known as Zievo Coffee Café is one of the best located
Hotel De Oriental: Situated on the highway and easy to
in Nagaland.
access modern hotel
Dimori Cove: Next to the Hornbill Festival site, an
Hotel Razhu Pru: Quirkily poised between a heritage
interesting boutique accommodation.
and boutique hotel, Razhu Pru was originally a family
Alder Retreat: Located 10 minutes away from the city,
home built in the post-world war II winter of 1946
Alder Retreat is the ideal place for travelers who want
Touphema Tourist Village: The accommodation is a
to get away from the rush and pollution of the town.
series of huts in Naga style at Touphema village
Medom's B&B: A homestay run by Dr. Kenny is in one of the most picturesque locations in Kohima, Nagaland. Morung Lodge: A bed and breakfast homestay located in the heart of Kohima
"I cannot change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination" – Jimmy Dean It is time, travel agents stop ignoring Kohima. The nearest airport id either Dimapur or Imphal and nit Guwahati. Kohima should always be placed at the start or end of a tour program and never in the middle.
PAGE 10 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
PAGE 11 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
COVER STORY Jitaditya Narzary in his blog site, travellingslaker.com, says about the visitors who he met at the hornbill festival in 2017, "I met a lot of people, some hardened travelers, some newbie, all enjoying rice beer and rock concerts. But I still felt that most people are not sure what has to be done in Kohima."
Kohima perched on a few hills is an important trading point for all the small farmers in the surrounding villages. With its penchant for strange foods, Kohima also has modern cafes where more uptown food is served. A trip to Kohima for leisure is generally advised from October to May. But if you have got more in your mind, the rainy months could be very interesting too.
Kohima no wonder gives you enough fodder for your Instagram posts but beyond those wonderful photos are the more kind-hearted people. Kohima is full of people who are educated like any other mainland citizen. People from Kohima have a culture embedded with a more progressive thought process. Kindness and understanding are natural to them. Education is something that they did not acquire, they inherited it. The reason you find open doors in Kohima is because they practice humility as if it is an in-built thing. They say in Kohima, every person you meet knows something you don't. You just need to be humble enough to learn from them.
PAGE 12 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
F E A T U R E D
I N T E R V I E W
SHAHWAR
HUSSAIN
A D V E N T U R E M O T O R C Y C L I S T T R A V E L Â E N T R E P R E N E U R
&
CHAIN REACTION INDIA
J U N E
2 0 2 0
E V E N T O U R S J O U R N E Y S
- FEATURED INTERVIEW -
SHAHWAR HUSSAIN INTERVIEW BY AMITABH SARMA
He
has
his
roots
in
Silchar
and
Dhubri.
Shahwar did his schooling from Silchar and Guwahati and graduated from college in Guwahati. English right
He
newspaper
after
words
had
his
“This
installments
started as
higher
was of
a
a
working
sports
school.
basically
an
sub-editor In
to
motorcycle
for
his
own
pay
the
that
I
had
bought...a sum of Rs 600 per month!”
Shahwar
started
his
restoration
garage
at
Guwahati about 25 years back and worked on some really lovely cars....bringing them to life. He had to move to Delhi due to some unavoidable
circumstances
working
some
for
magazines. Guwahati
He and
restoration
and
newspaper
keeps Delhi
projects
and
shuttling and
runs
and
started auto
between his
car
adventure
motorcycle tours. Now he spends more time in
Northeast
India
and
works
full-time
for
himself.
PAGE 13 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Hi Shahwar, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Could you give our readers a bit of information about you, where you're from, and tell us a bit about the kind of work that you do?
interior Nagaland, I find warmth ...lots. I speak the language and maybe that's why I connect better. In my tour itineraries, there is a lot of Nagaland. I take small groups (4 to5 people) in my tours and this means that the whole group
Shahwar: Hello, I am from Assam. I did my
can sit around the fire in a kitchen anywhere in
schooling in Guwahati and Silchar, but I did
Nagaland. The remote villages have bare
move around a lot. My father was an engineer,
minimum creature comfort but most of the
building roads and bridges in the interiors. It was
clients certainly don't mind. What they lack in
lovely, spending time in the forests and hills. I do
amenities, the villagers certainly make it up with
a couple of things simultaneously....almost. I run
their warmth and their amazing culture and
a small adventure motorcycle travel company
tradition.
and I concentrate only in North East India. I have
The other very important thing for me is the
been an automotive journalist for a while now
backroads. We ride through long offroad
although my involvement in the automotive
sections...through lovely and lonely forests and
industry has drastically come down. I review a
small fords and hardly cross any other vehicles
few of the new cars and bikes that are launched
all day long. We have food in the numerous
in the country. I also write travel stories for some
resting shelters that dot Nagaland or maybe in a
leading Indian travel magazines, In-Flight
village, jump in the river for a while, and carry on
magazines, and also some overseas
riding. That's the beauty of these interior places
publications. I had started a garage at
in Nagaland.
Guwahati about 25 years back and I restore vintage and classic cars. I still have that garage and putting all those old cars on the road is immensely satisfying.
You're an avid traveler. I know this is not an easy question to answer and you seem to love the back roads of Nagaland. Why Nagaland? Shahwar:Yes, I do go around a fair bit. And I never can get enough of North East India. Somehow, I love traveling through Nagaland but I can't put my finger on one particular reason why. The interiors of Nagaland are
What they lack in amenities, the villagers certainly make it up with their warmth and their amazing culture and tradition.
beautiful...and it is a kind of raw beauty. Places like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are very scenic,thick alpine forests,deep gorges...roaring rivers,snowy mountains.But in the villages of
PAGE 14 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
- FEATURED ARTICLE -
BTS: Coming back to Nagaland, do you think the glory of Kohima is limited to the ten days of the Hornbill Festival, or has it something more to offer? Shahwar: Certainly not. The Hornbill Festival is a recent thing…a little more than a decade. It’s a big and interesting festival, no two ways about it. It is a crowd puller…a riot of colors. But there is so much more to Kohima. There is a rich history, culture, tradition, handicraft, and amazing cuisine. There are so many old and interesting villages in Kohima…each with its history. I wish people would spend a little more time in these villages. There are storytellers and they have amazing stories to tell.
BTS: There is a healthy sign of a few Indian women venturing out in the motorcycle arena. Given a chance would you take them to Nagaland? Shahwar: I have already taken a few Indian women on motorcycle tours through Nagaland. Women on motorcycles are inherently adventurous and the fact that Nagaland is a very very safest place for women, draws them. I have conducted tours on two different occasions for women who wanted to travel alone (other than me), without any backup support and on an open-ended itinerary. 90% of the tours were in Nagaland. And they were scheduled to come back later this year but the virus seems to put paid to the plan. Their tribe is increasing and it is a good thing.
Photographs by
BTS: There seem to be several communities and riding groups for riders? How does someone who is just starting get
Shahwar Hussain Amitabh Sarma Chain Reaction India .
involved? How do these groups work? Shahwar: I am not a member of any community or group. I have always been a solo rider. But yes, these groups have a brotherhood. Most of these groups have their own rules about
For Details on Chain Reaction India www.chainreactionindia.com
new members. There are many such groups in social media and being a member of these groups is good as they give you a lot of information. But the best thing is to be a member of a local group
shahwar@chainreactionindia.com Shahwar Hussain: +91-98103 20041 / +91 99575 65355 Anuj Singh: +91-98713 31236
first. You can go out for short rides with the group in the beginning and that will prepare you for the long tours.
PAGE 15 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
PAGE 16 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
BTS: Tell us about Chain Reaction India. Shahwar: Officially, Chain Reaction India is about 16 years old, but I have been taking small groups of riders on tours of North East India for about 20 years or more. Traveling on a motorcycle was a passion since I was 15 years old…but it seemed a fairly good idea to turn passion into a profession. One fine night, my good friend Anuj Singh and I thought up the name and the logo while we were sitting on the steps of a friend’s motorcycle garage.
BTS: What are the most difficult part and the most fun being a long-distance motorcyclist? Shahwar: I have always been a solo rider. The only time I ride in any sort of group is when I conduct a tour. On solo rides, the only difficult part is a bad crash in a lonely place. The good parts out-numbers the bad part! You ride at your OWN pace. You stop and ride at will. I have stopped by the side of the hill overlooking a beautiful valley and I have spent hours there….didn’t have to ask anyone! Someday I rode all of 6 km and someday I rode 600 km. It gives you time….time for yourself. It’s a rat race out there and there is no ME-TIME. Even if you win the race, you will still be a rat…So, in a solo ride, you have all the time for yourself.
ON SOLO RIDES, THE ONLY DIFFICULT PART IS A BAD CRASH IN A LONELY PLACE.
BTS: You surely have had some great people help you get to where you’re at. Who would you like to thank? Shahwar: My photographer friend Anuj Singh helped me a lot. He and I conducted the initial tours. We had to keep the overheads down. We didn’t look at making any profits in the beginning….breaking even was good enough. We wanted good reviews and we did get some very good ones. Anuj and I made a really funny team….many times the clients asked Anuj to stay away from them because he made them laugh too much!!
BTS: Being a travel enthusiast in Northeast India, spend a lot of time restoring vintage vehicles. How is it progressing? Any thoughts on the proposed Vehicle Scrappage Policy of the Indian Government? Shahwar: This new policy has me worried. I haven’t read the whole thing but I sure hope that it is not as bad as it sounds. These vintage and classics are our motoring heritage. It would be a terrible shame if these are scrapped and if we are not allowed to drive them. I restore and maintain my clients’ valuable cars and I drive them always. These old vehicles have a very strong identity and it is important to preserve them.The policy will have far-reaching effects on the common man. Say a man has bought an army disposal Shaktiman truck and uses it in the coalfields or the logging industry and earns his living. If he is forced to scrap that truck, he will be in no position whatsoever to buy a new truck. What is he supposed to do? There are many examples…old jeeps converted into water tankers, ex-army Nissan trucks carry supplies to remote villagers, Jeeps ferry villagers to faraway towns….the list is endless…I hope the Govt has given these things a thought.
PAGE 17 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
PAGE 18 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
The perception of motorcycling has changed a whole lot. Now, a high ranking official of a company can ride a good bike to his office and not many would raise an eyebrow.
Crossing the Brahmaputra River
BTS: If there were one thing you could change about the way people perceive or see or think about riding, it would be?
BTS: Finally, what are you looking forward to over the next year?
Shahwar: The perception of motorcycling has
Shahwar: Got a mixed feeling about next
changed a whole lot. Now, a high ranking
year. The virus has wiped out the tourism
official of a company can ride a good bike to
industry and it will take at least a year and a
his office and not many would raise an
half to start again. I have a few car
eyebrow. The girls are breaking
restoration projects at hand and they will take
the celling and it is such a good thing. In
up the better part of the year. Will do some
addition to the everyday commuting,
riding too.
motorcycling has become a lifestyle and a recreational thing. Wind in the hair, dust under
Thank you, Shahwar, for taking the time to
the collar, bugs in the eye, snow inside the
give such an in-depth and deep interview.
boots, wet to the bone, touch the earth with your feet, and the world whizzing past…these
You can reach out to Shahwar Hussain on his
are the joys of motorcycling.
upcoming motorcycle trips in North East India at shahwar@chainreactionindia.com
cry me a river MONKS OF MAJULI the annual floods in Assam's Majuli river island is woe to the monks living there. Every year they lose monastries and no one knows what the future holds for them.
PAGE 20 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
PAGE 21 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
The river wind, on a cold January morning did bite. I was covered from head to toe with all the latest riding gears but still could feel the biting wind as I rode my motorcycle boarding
from
jetty
Jorhat
point
town
to
to
Majuli
Neemati
River
ghat,
Island.
I
the
had
to
catch the 8:30 AM ferry to cross over the Brahmaputra River. I was working with a Norwegian production house on
a
documentary
needed
a
recon
film
trip
on
Majuli
before
we
River
started
Island
and
shooting
in
November. I would be spending the next five days on Majuli River Island. I have been gracefully hosted by Haren
Narah,
who
owns
the
Mepo
Okum
rural
stay
there. Narah is connected politically in the island and is from the local Mishing tribe. Not that politics was in my mind but he certainly is a great host, always.
The river island was formed over the years as part of the
Brahmaputra
river
changing
course.
Although
frequent earthquakes contributed to this phenomenon, the primary reason was the annual floods. Majulii is a hotbed of fertile topsoil from the mountains. A farmer's haven
and
heaven.
With
more
than
250
species
of
migratory and resident birds, Majuli is what they called a
'biodiversity'
hotspot.
There
was
a
time;
it
was
a
single guy's dream from Assam to find a bride from Majuli Island. The women there were considered some of
the
most
beautiful
in
Assam.
They
still
are,
but
weather battened. Unfortunately now, the very thought of traveling to Majuli is considered cumbersome by the local mainlanders. Once the deltaic island in the world, with an area of 1256 sq km, it is now just 515 sq km. Locals predict that the island will vanish in the next 15 – 20 years.
Majuli's quest with tranquility is
"Kukura, Srigala, gardabharo,atma Rama Janiya Sabako Kariba Pranama"
deceitful. Of the original 65
This translates to 'Dog, fox, and donkey all have the soul of god; knowing that
monasteries built to advocate the
greet every being respectfully'
Vaishavaite sect of Hinduism, only 21 remains. The monastery known
Majuli famed for its historic 16th-century monasteries, its rich progressive culture
as "Sattras" takes us to a society
and tradition, all propagated by a monastic way of life, is at the mercy of the
where the community and the
Brahmaputra River, which is taking away sections by sections every year. Majuli
monastery are interdependent. The
being an island was immune to the influx of other communities and religion. And
community provides the physical
hence, the Vaishnavaite system was able to flourish unhindered. In the island, its
needs and the monastery suffices the
position was unchallenged for centuries. But if the island disappears, it would
spiritual need. Mahapurush
mean a total exodus of the sects' roots. Vaishnavism, although it has spread to
Sankerdev, the founder of the
other parts of Assam and India will always be overshadowed by the bigger
Vaishnavaite sect in Assam,
religions and in due course be affected by modernity. Moreover, bigger fishes
systematically established a parallel
are floating, amalgamation in due course of time is unavoidable. The need to
religion through his creative
preserve Majuli is important from the environmental perspective, but is equally
communication, prose, poetry, dance,
critical from the cultural point of view.
art, paintings, and music. He very well utilized the tools of Hinduism to
The very essence of life in a 'sattra' is simplicity and is defined by the cadence
create a breakaway faction, filtered
of agriculture and spirituality. Life in a 'sattra' is designed to live in isolation. The
off the orthodoxies; Vaishnavism was
education system although revolves around religious scripts has also embedded
professed to be a common man's
modern subjects. Some of the young monks are learning new languages
religion.
other than local Assamese and English.
PAGE 22 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Although 'Vaishnavism', propagated as a common man's religion it has some questions unanswered. The primary god being Krishna, a name synonymous with love and the primary theme of the religion is equality and love. But traces of its parent religion, Hinduism remains. The high priest in the monasteries 'guru' as they call has to be someone born from the upper caste of Hinduism. There are certain restrictions on people from
lower
castes
and
tribes
qualifying
as
'bhakts"
students
of
the
institution. So the chance of culture, if shifted to mainland Assam, has a chance
of
being
completely
annexed
into
Hinduism.
Already
the
monasteries are facing threat from Christianity on the island. Substantial numbers of the local Mishing tribal population have converted. Another thing that serves as a dampener is the non-acceptance of women as nuns in the monastic system. Unlike Buddhist monastic life, which is also an offshoot of Hinduism, Assam's 'Vaishnavism' does not have a female version.
Experts warn that by 2040, as more violent floods of the Brahmaputra river
torment
Majuli,
the
entire
island
will
be
wiped
away.
The
Brahmaputra and many of India's other major rivers are reliant on the snow and ice from the Himalayas. An increase in melting means more water in the short term, its arrival uncontrolled and severe. The problem with Majuli is no one knows what to do and the whole conservation process is relying on short term, ineffective solutions.
The government is trying to control erosion by installing porcupines and geo-bags and raising embankments. This curbs the flow of the river, thereby bringing in sand instead of fertile soil. Moreover, the construction of concrete river embankments is speeding up the flow of the river, making
it
more
dangerous
when
the
water
levels
are
high.
The
Brahmaputra river in Assam has become an obese boy who stops hitting the gym. It is becoming wider and its dept is decreasing.
Upstream and downstream human encroachment along the river has also contributed
to
the
catastrophe.
The
human
population
in
the
Brahmaputra valley is increasing and eating away into wetlands. With every rainfall, the island loses a bit of itself.
The inhabitants of these, all-male, monasteries in Majuli River Island face an uncertain future. Each year new monks, as young as four years old, are inducted. As they spend the days praying, singing, dancing, playing football and volleyball, acceptance of the future as it comes is a part of life. When you go to Majuli, you do not go there on a sightseeing tour.
You go there to experience its tryst with art, its pursuit of culture, its unique biodiversity, and its old-world rustic charm. All these experiences positioned hand in hand with modern life, have a familiar hope, and a common pain, the annual avalanche.
PAGE 23 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
MOATSU FESTIVAL FEATURE
And a trip to Mokokchung in Nagaland
The topography of Mokokchung
They say that one of the most contented feelings in human life is a departure into foreign lands. Mokokchung is one of those destinations, way out of a tourist's map. A 105 km drive from Jorhat airport in Assam and 145 km from the state capital of Nagaland, Kohima. Mokokchung is a small town in western Nagaland, with a rich cultural intent and unbending traditions. Silently abhorred by other Naga tribes for their affinity with the neighboring plains people and their largely educated population, Aos, the predominant tribe in Mokokchung has several influencers in different fields.
Photography Christian Mathis Rita Willaert Nicole Titus Victoria W Laka Amitabh Sarma
Silently abhorred by other Naga tribes for their affinity with the neighboring plains people and their largely educated population PAGE 25 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
MOATSU FESTIVAL TRIP TO MOKOKCHUNG IN NAGALAND The town of Mokokchung standing at 1325 m above sea level has a mild climate throughout the year. Historically, locally Mokokchung
was
one
of
the
first
Naga
Hills
brewed
rice
beer
is
iin
abundance
and
where community
feasts
are
held
where
traditional
dishes
platoons of the Assam Rifles, then led by the British, consisting of pork, beef, boiled vegetables, and sticky established their outposts, called Stockades, in the latter white or red rice is served. People from all cultures part
of
the
19th
century.
The
British
administration willingly
participate
in
eating,
drinking,
and
gradually forayed into eastern Nagaland from here. merrymaking. The singers sing love songs to glorify the courage Usually
in
the
regular
tourist
map
of
of
the
warriors.
Community
lessons
are
Nagaland, imparted to the youth to be bold, heroic, and defend
Mokokchung is essentially plotted as a stopover from Mon themselves from the enemies. to Kohima and vice-versa. Mokokchung has within itself an exotic
charm
that
cannot
be
experienced
with
just
a Moatsu
is
an
occasion
to
strengthen
bonds
of
night's stopover after a day on roads where your average friendship with other Naga tribes. Commissionaires of speed is 20 km/hour. neighboring exchanged
villages to
are
establish
invited
peace
and
and
gifts
harmony.
are The
Moatsu Festivals of the Ao tribe
predominant theme of the festival is offering prayers.
Moatsu is a three-day harvest festival celebrated in May
Before Christianity stepping feet in these lands and
by the Ao tribe, primarily in the district of Mokokchung or
dominating the state, Moatsu had some ancient rituals
wherever
an
which have been taken out from the post-Christianity
expression of thanks to the gods for a good harvest. Huge
formats. Earlier there was a practice of ritualistic pubic
fires
fornication of a young virgin and a teenage boy to
they
known
as
are.
The
Aos
'Sangpangtu'
perform
are
lit
up
dances
with
as
traditional
songs and dances performed around it. High quality and
mark the fertility of the land. The village witch doctors forecasted whether good or evil days are awaiting the village
folks
by
readings
of
the
celebration
of
the
Moatsu festival.
PAGE 26 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Chuchuyimlang village
Although the festival is celebrated all over, the village of
The Ao Nagas live in a systematic and democratic or what
Chuchuyimlang is the hotspot. This is the time for the
is known as an egalitarian society. The concept of society
outsiders to have a ringside view of the Ao tribe.
as per Ao tradition revolves around the word 'Loktiliba' meaning 'a way of life of the people'. Very reminiscence of
Ao tribe of the Nagas The origin, migration, and early history of the Ao tribe are still in a conundrum. Most of the available theory on their history
is
based
on
stories
told
and
passed
on
orally.
'Longterok' is an oral traditional concept which every Ao naga
is
dialect
supposed 'long'
Therefore,
it
to
meant was
accept
with
ascendancy.
stone
and
'terok'
believed
that
Ao
In
meant
Nagas'
Ao six.
modern
checklists determine
democratic
and
norms
every
Aos'
way
of
embedded conduct
life. in
in
The
traditional
'Loktiliba', life
and
therefore
position
a potential member of the society and the whole process of education prepares the youngsters for a definite role in the society, once adulthood is attained.
ancestors
emerged out of the six stones. 'Longterok' is found at Chungliyimti village, about 20 km away from the town of Mokokchung. emergence
From
of
a
sociological
human
beings
point
from
of
view,
'Longterok'
is
the an
interesting thought process. There are three major clans within
the
Ao
tribe-
Jamir,
Longkumer,
and
Pongener.
Today, Chungliyimti is no more an Ao Naga village. They had abandoned it long ago and are now occupied by the Sangtam tribe of Tuensang district.
in
society. The moment a child is born, he or she is viewed as
'Longterok' is an oral traditional concept which every Ao naga is supposed to accept with ascendancy. In Ao dialect 'long' meant stone and 'terok' meant six.
PAGE 27 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
19
Villages in Mokokchung An Ao village in Mokokchung is usually a group of dwelling houses built in clusters with cultivable or uncultivable land around it. An Ao village is a republic in itself, independent of another village. Almost all the villages are located in a defendable position to counter surprise attacks from enemies.
Longkhum Village – Longkhum village is a small suburb and provides a great opportunity to view the lifestyle of the local people. It is considered as the forefront village of the Ao tribe, primarily due to its geographical position. Rhododendrons and pine trees
It is said you can see the footprints and butt prints of the lovers in the rocks.
surround it. In Mokokchung, Longkhum village is a landscape photographer's muse. There is a site dedicated to one of the earliest Naga freedom fighters of Nagaland, 'Imkongmeren'. A small trek,
Mopungchuket Village – A 13 km drive from
through rock formations puts you right on the romantic
Mokokchung takes you to one of the cleanest village in
folklore of Etiben and Jina, the Romeo and Juliet of the
Nagaland, Mopungchuket. There is a monument on the
Ao nags. It is said you can see the footprints and butt
outskirts of the village, where exiled Ahoms from
prints of the lovers in the rocks. One can also see a
Assam were given shelter. The 'Ariju' and 'Tsuki'
glimpse of the 'Mongu-Ki' or eagle's nest where eagles
commonly known as the 'morungs' institute in villages
have been nesting for centuries. A wide-angle view of
where the youth learns the first lessons of social life. In
the Doyang Rover surrounding the Naga Hills is an
Ao villages, 'Arijus' are for the males and 'Tsukis' for
absolute beauty.
females. The first process of educating the young people in the formalities of tradition and society were
Ungma Village – It is one of the oldest and the
conducted there. Now of course, schools and churches
largest village in Mokokchung. An old log drum and a
have taken over. In Mopungchuket, the well preserved
well-kept park marks Ungma village as a hub of
'morungs' are worth a visit. An interesting monument is
prosperity. The whole village floats in abundance and
the time pillar and a tower from where one can get a
kindness. A walk inside Ungma village will help one
commanding view of the village and its adjoining
understand why a visit to Mokokchung is visually and
areas.
mentally satisfying.
PAGE 28 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
MOKOKCHUNG
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR SALES PARTNER FOR NAGALAND 2022 TOURS
Mokokchung is a pleasant land, one of the long unbroken ranges of hills, which perhaps accounts for the fact that the entire Ao territory is divided into six ranges. Like everywhere
The importance of the log-drum The log drum, called the 'Sungkong' in Ai dialect is a huge piece of log carved out of a single tree trunk. It is hollowed out from a solid log and shaped with the head of a wild animal or a thick hornbill tail. The rhythm of
else in Nagaland, conservation is a sad story in Mokokchung too. With the advent of modernity, mining, and indiscriminate hunting, many animals and birds have left the land for good and found solace in the plains of Assam. Still some faint traces of fauna in the form of hornbills and woodpeckers are found along with wild boars, black bears, jungle cats, porcupines, wolves, stage, and elephants.
beating the log drum with pestles signifies different occasions. It could mean the death of a chief or an ordinary man, the brining of enemy heads or return of a warrior's head, announcement of festivals, disasters, or an attack. It is said a village without a log drum is devoid of peace and security. The 'Singkong' in Mokokchung is considered a sacred place and has become a religious veneration in the life of the Aos.
As one ascends from the plains of Assam to Mokokchung, the first glimpse of Ao life is seen in Changki village. Scenic landscapes, winding roads, thick forests and treacherous terrains tells you the story of what you will witness up in the mountains. The best journey does not just show us the bizarre, they help us understand the uncommonness. A conversation with a local in Mokokchung will help you figure out that while the landscape of the destination is important visually, everlasting memories are created always with people stories.
"Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone" – Wendell Berry.
Travel is a legitimate way to expand your mind and educates you about the world. A 'putu menden' or a House is a council of the villagers among the Ao tribe. It is headed by 'Onger Menden' meaning 'seat of the priest'. The head of the 'putu menden', Onger can advise but cannot object to any decision of the House. Does this not remind us of the 'Speaker' in the lower house of our modern Indian parliament?
PAGE 29 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
C H E C K
I N T O
N A T U R E
Meghalaya
RAW ART
Interesting Art festivals in Northeast India
presenting an
idea with a purpose
No matter what the temptation might be, our current situation allows us no scope to gather. A festival without a gathering is nothing but a festival without content. Northeast India has rightly earned its spot as the land of festivals. Northeast India, with its colorful tribes, sub-tribes, and its many expressive cultures fill the yearly calendar with myriad traditional festivals. But of late, this region has also homegrown some festivals where art and its finer nuances finds the appropriate note. For many art lovers, a good art festival can be a truly augmented creative experience. Here is a list of 8 interesting art festivals of northeast India where one can engage in an experience, observing and participating in works of art and creative spirit. And when one combines travel with these art festivals an encouraging journey is created.
For many art lovers, a good art festival can be a truly augmented creative experience
PAGE 31 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
The backdrop is deftly arched with a temporary fence of straws. And like in any open-air auditorium, seats are arranged in ascending order. The only difference being, the seats are made of bamboo planks. Unlike faรงade theatre, the performers do not use any microphone or artificial lights. The stage is rustic and dependent on the nature and silence of the audience.
The man behind this interesting concept is a resident of this village, Sukracharjya Rabha. He has been mentored by Heisnam Kanhailal, one of the finest theatre directors from Northeast India. Sukracharjya Rabha has been teaching theatre to the rural youths of Rampur village and nearby areas since 1998 under the banner of Badungduppa Kalakendra. This festival seamlessly weaves art, natural light, and acoustic music into an enthralling display that simply needs to be experienced to be believed. The festivity, in this small rural village, is for theatre. On the concluding day, one of the village elders lights a ceremonial bonfire and the village youths dances to the beats of drums.
Come out, come out, whenever you're ready.
"Simplicity is the most difficult to secure in this world; it is the last limit experience and the last effort of genius." After starting with a local theatre group in 1993, Rabha went on to set up Badungduppa Kalakendra five years later. Ironically, it was also a time when youths from different parts of Assam, including Rampur village were being drawn to revolutionary armed groups. The festival is a
UNDER THE SAL TREE, Rampur Assam
global modal for sustainability and respect for nature. Theatre groups from across the world like Sri Lanka, Poland, and Brazil come here without their entourage of equipment. With just one sole purpose, to
Under the Sal Tree is a small unique theatre perform and experience theatre in a minimalist setting. As George Sand festival staged every year at Rampur village categorically admits "Simplicity is the most difficult to secure in this in Assam. Nature becomes a prop and steers world; it is the last limit experience and the last effort of genius." a new direction in performing arts discourse. Sometime in mid-December since 2008, Rampur village witnesses an open-air theatre. The young volunteers erect a mud stage under the sal trees.
PAGE 32 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Creative art must project into the future and leave the public with renewed hope and optimism. Tourist Guide Anna Wayne Sienna in Bloomsberg, Turkey
Touring the Streets of Shillong METROPOLIS ASIA, SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA Metropolis Urban Winter Festival is a three-day art festival, all about bringing creative ideas together. This festival was
initiated
in
2013
at
Guwahati,
the
capital
city
of
Assam, as a contemporary art festival. Guwahati being the
nerve
center
to
so
many
cultures,
different
communities, races, and lifestyles served as the ideal spot for
this
annual
festival.
However,
in
2018,
Metropolis
Guwahati shifted to Shillong in Meghalaya with a new catchline: "We migrate, We compete, We survive" opening up
to
a
global
focus
by
changing
its
surname
to
Metropolis Asia.
PAGE 33 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
Besides
a
display
of
various
contemporary
creative
arts,
the
annual
festival now provides a platform to initiate discussions and engagements on
'Environmental
Conservation'.
Representatives
of
various
global
organizations, associated with environmental conservation have teamed up with the festival. In 2018, with the Metropolis Asia festival, an event called the 'Earth Connect' was embedded. The direction of the event was to stress on curbing usage of non-biodegradable material, especially plastic. A special art installation "You did it! You used, You trashed and You wrapped the world in plastic" was erected at the venue.
India,
for
some
years,
has
been
seen
as
an
archive
of
low-quality
international culture, a country where even the bombastic and archaic gets approved. Creative art must project into the future and leave the public with renewed hope and optimism. Metropolis Asia, being a mirror of the present-day reality of human survival is an effort for bringing a global consensus on various important issues.
It
is
difficult
Photography,
to film
align
Metropolis
making,
music,
Asia craft,
to
a
particular
literature,
category.
gaming,
fashion,
alternative sports and so many more find a common platform. If you have the art, you have Metropolis Asia. As the organizers say "The multi-module structure of the festival allows engagement of different stakeholders, thereby uplifting young talents by way of providing a viable platform for empowerment."
The world of an artist is limitless. Sometimes it can be found hundreds of miles away and sometimes just a few feet away.
The world of an artist is limitless. Sometimes it can be found hundreds of miles away and sometimes just a few feet away. Art is always on his self. For six years in a row, Metropolis Asia, with all its various suffixes, has been able to gather an immense support and participation from various corners of the world. It stands true to its purpose in bringing creative ideas together.
PAGE 34 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
GOODSTOCK Festival, Guwahati, Assam Usually in a commercial music festival, especially held in urban areas, there is a vicious scuffle to be near the stage and a general chaos prevails.
What
started
as
a
meeting
of
common
minds
united
by
a
common agenda of good music, Goodstock, a private event has found a special annual acceptance in Guwahati. Each year on March 13, a group of musicians gather at a private space in Guwahati's Panikheti area. This started in 2009. Positioned between a railway track on one side and the Brahmaputra River, a free for all event, Goodstock is fast becoming a thing to look for every year. The organizers provide the stage, sound, lights, and some basic food too! Goodstock is a small, relaxed event that enables the motley crowd, used to bigger events like Bacardi NH7 Weekender and the Ziro
Music
Festival;
experience
a
noiseless
crowd,
new
artists,
good
music, good food and a good time with friends. Goodstock is a personal event. Everyone knows everyone, well almost. Borne out of a jam session between
friends,
Guwahati
based
vocalist
Hridoy
Goswami,
musician
Uzzal Phukan and entrepreneur Jitu Das, Goodstock was a concept well coined.
Northeast is a hotbed of traditional culture based events. This new generation art events are truly setting things are extending the trend to a new level. SANGAI FESTIVAL, Imphal, Manipur Named after the state animal of Manipur, Sangai, the brown antlered deer, Sangai Festival is an annual state-sponsored event that started in 2010. Manipur has always been the hotbed of fine arts in Northeast India. This state has produced world-class artists especially in the fields of dance and drama. Each edition of the Sangai festival showcases Manipur's local handlooms, handicrafts, indigenous sports, ethnic cuisines, and a lot more.
Manipur's very own martial arts form, Thang Ta, which includes a combination of spears and swords, Yubi Lakpi, a form of rugby played with greased coconut, Mukna Kangjei, that combines hockey with wrestling and Sagol Kangjei, modern polo, all is a part of the festival. It is widely believed that modern polo originated in Manipur.
Although people of Manipur are divided into sects like meiteis, naga, kuki, meitie pangal, and a few others, their harmony and their belief in their own culture and tradition is unshakeable. You will rarely meet a Manipuri, who will for once not mention art and culture in their conversation with an outsider. Sangai festival is only getting bigger and better each year. The festival is positioned to the end of November for one week and becomes an excellent prelude to visitors wanting to visit the more prominent Hornbill festival in Nagaland held in the first week of December every year.
PAGE 35 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
SANGAI
Ranjan Yumnam, a progressive art critic of Manipur voices
FESTIVAL
MANIPUR Sangai with
festival
participation
Japan,
Thailand,
Bangladesh, from the has
amplified
the
state
Sri
and
primary capital,
extended
of
in
2017
artists
from
Lanka,
Myanmar. venue the
venues
in
Nepal, Apart
Imphal,
festival
in
near
the Manipuri sentiment on arts and culture in his description of Manipuri cinema.
"Anybody with a few spare cash can produce a film in Manipur. It's not the important point though. What's remarkable is why Manipuris get so excited about dedicating themselves to such a low-margin and highrisk venture as filmmaking that promises nothing more than a few pittance in profit at best. The answer is, Manipuris love arts, music, dance, and theater; and cinema provides the ultimate platform that happily blends all these. Above all, they love experiments."
now
towns.
PAGE 36 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
GUWAHATI INTERNATIONAL FILM As an interesting art festival of Northeast India, the
FESTIVAL, Guwahati, Assam State-owned Jyoti Chitrabon Film Studio Society and
GIFF promoting global cinema, it is quite a platter to movie buffs of this region. Polish director Krzysztof
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and
Zanussi comments "Film festivals promote high art
Television Institute organize the very interesting
rather than regular cinema. Festivals bring to local
Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF). In its 3rd
people global cinema which otherwise is not
edition in Guwahati, around 70 internationally
available to them." High art indeed, the 1st edition
acclaimed film personalities took part in the festival.
saw a total of 78 films being presented from 32
Cinema commissionaires from South Korea, Hungary,
countries, the 2nd edition saw 108 films from 50
Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Bolivia, Argentina and
countries, and the 3rd edition showcased 100 movies
Bangladesh visited the festival.
from 65 countries. The 3rd edition saw an updated version where the Cinema of Assam was merged with
Ashghar Farhadi, Iranian film director's Oscar-winning
the Indian section and two new sections, 150 years of
movie 'The Salesman' was the first movie to be
the Mahatma and a Competition section was
screened in the first edition of the festival held in
introduced.
2017.
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker from Assam, Rima Das states "This is the perfect time for promoting
The GIFF started with six sections in World Cinema,
movies. In this era of the internet, it has become much
Indian Panorama, Retrospectives, Cinema of the
easier for new and budding filmmakers to promote
Northeast, Cinema of Assam, and the Tribute.
their movies, getting an audience is not a problem anymore as we have one of the finest platforms, which is the internet,"Â The Guwahati International Film Festival propagates itself to be a film festival which is
PAGE 37 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
free from single-use plastics.
The 2019 edition, its 4th, saw the inclusion of South Korea as the partner country, extending the International Year of Indigenous Languages event.
INDIA INTERNATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL, Shillong,
There are major Cherry Blossom festivals held across the world and the ones in Japan and Paris are huge. But the experience at the International Cherry Blossom
Meghalaya
Festival in Shillong is none the less and original. The
'Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine,
cherry blossoms in Shillong are in full bloom by mid-
freedom, and a little flower' quotes Danish writer and
November and spans across the east and west Khasi
author, Hans Christian Anderson. This is the backdrop
hills in Meghalaya.
that dwells behind the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong that started in 2016. The festival is perfectly positioned in the middle of November and as a move on securing a long term audience, cherry trees have been planted at Mawphlong, New Shillong, and Ward's Lake and near Umiam Lake in the vicinity of Shillong. The cherry blossom festival has some interesting events that include guided night walks through blossoms, bike rallies, and photography contests. Another interesting aspect is the folk and
EVENTOURS TRAVELS invites you to a sneak peek into 2022 and beyond travel options. You can reach out through an email at info@eventours.in
rock music performances by local artists from various parts of Northeast India. There is even an option to compete in an amateur golf tournament.
PAGE 38 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
RAW ART - NORTHEAST INDIA
Ziro Music Festival is a newbie music artist's paradise. There
Ziro Music Festival
is
an
atmosphere
of
do-it-yourself
creations.
Music bands traveling with their merchandise, painters bringing
in
their
creative
wares,
and
all
sorts
of
contemporary artists find a common ground.
Low
Majaw,
a
veteran
musician
from
Shillong
says
"Music transcends everything. With the help of a good Ziro Music Festival that takes place annually in Ziro in
the
state
of
Arunachal
Pradesh
has
grown
exponentially despite having no major high profile bands performing. Since 2012 what amplified the Ziro
Music
festival
are
location
and
vibes.
It
has
become a sought after venue for all the Indie bands across the country.
What
has
Ziro
obsession
Festival
made
eco-friendliness
unique
along
is
with
its the
independent music scene. There are two stages for artists to perform - Sun stage and the Moon stage, keeping in line with the local Donyi Polo faith. Both
the
stages
are
made
mostly
out
of
arena
planks.
are
One
all
made
cannot
out
enter
of
the
bamboo venue
and
with
pine
plastic
bottles.
delivered
in
its
true
sense."
of
Ziro
Music
Festival
rants
"This
year
widens
the
cultural confluence. There's Israeli Sufi with Rajasthani folk, there's Italian hard rock and Naga fusion rollers‌
Anup
Kutty,
founder
Menwhopause
member
teamed
up
of
Delhi
with
local
based
band
Arunachali
entrepreneur Bobby Hano to create Ziro Music Festival. Ziro is the district headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh's
sea level. The site, home to the famous Apatani tribe, is a proposed World Heritage Site. Ziro Valley, for four days
since
2012,
finds
itself
taking
everything
else
backstage except creative art and music. For four days creativity finds its rightful stage
from
the
indie
music
artists,
the
festival
serves as a boost up stage for folk artists. With a domestic
was
Describing the 2016 line up, Anup Kutty co-conceiver
and Apart
music
Lower Subansiri district and stands at 5800 feet above locally
available bamboos. The food and shopping stalls in the
audience,
you name it,"
Music
for
organizing body, good sound systems, and a good
and
international
audience,
lodged
for
four days in the Ziro Valley, the festival serves as an excellent exhibition for talented local folk artists.
appreciating
audience,
and
experience
shapes up future courses of action for many.
that
BRAHMAPUTRA LITERARY FESTIVAL, Guwahati, Assam India
is
a
dialects
country
change
where
every
languages
hundred
and
miles.
So
within this vast plethora of languages there is bound to have a rich quantity of literary elements. some that
Of
late,
beautifully are
much
India
has
arranged
more
woken
up
literary
than
book
to
events
launching
arenas.
The
Brahmaputra
Literary
Festival,
currently
in its 3rd edition, is a promising new entrant in the literary festival circuit of India. Held in February
at
Guwahati
the
state
capital
of
Assam, this festival is a three days episode hosted
with
the
Srimanta
Sankardev
Kalashetra.
The main components of the festival include discussion literature, where
on and
the
issues
concerning
language.
audience
Sessions
can
books, are
held
interact
with
writers, apart from book signing and reading events.
It
artists
also
includes
showing
performances
endemic
by
cultures.
Brahmaputra Literary Festival in the long run, aims
at
streamlining
local
languages,
literature, culture, arts, and media from the northeast Indian regions, so that a broader audience is accumulated.
Across Jaipur
the
country
Literature
Lucknow
literary
Festival,
Literary
events
the
Festival,
Times Delhi
like
the
Litfest, Literary
Festival, and others have become brands in it.
Brahmaputra
Literary
Festival
as
a
new
aspirant in the Indian literary ambit will have to maintain a consistent global content. This festival has to focus on giving a platform to new
ideas
and
create
an
atmosphere
of
enthusiasm.
As Mary McLeod Bethune says
"We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends."
MEGHALAYA play
local
FEATURED TOUR TEXTILE TOUR OF ASSAM ISSUE NO. 17 | JUNE 2020
PAGE 42 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
textile tour of Assam The
indigenous
handicrafts
in
other
parts
of
the
country are confined to professional castes whereas it is practiced as household industries in the valley of Brahmaputra. In Assam, there is no dearth of raw materials. Indigenous products consisted of thread and
fabrics,
cotton
textiles,
brass
utensils,
oil
extracted from mustard or sesame seeds molasses, jewelry,
and
articles
of
ivory
and
agricultural
implements.
Although Assam is well known as a major area of silk production, complex weaving techniques and dense figural decoration are not features usually
associated
groups
incorporate
with some
the
region.
simple
extra
Tribal weft
geometric designs into silk cloths, but most of the
silk
textiles
produced
there
have
traditionally been plain, non-dyed length.
The Tour This
7
days
available
guided
through
its
tour
from
partners,
Eventours takes
you
Travels, through
rural Assam for its famed silk weavings. You get to interact with the base level weaver women of Assam who
make
the
traditional
designs
of
the
textiles,
keeping in line with age-old traditions.
DAY 1 We
meet
our
local
guide
and
tour
escort
at
Guwahati airport, who will brief us and assist us to our hotel. The evening is either set for a visit to the tantric temple of Kamakhya in Guwahati or for a dinner cruise in the Brahmaputra river.
PAGE 43 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
FEATURED TRIP
EVENTOURS TRAVELS SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS
DAY 2 Day excursion to weaving villages of Sualkuchi & Hajo
DAY 6
Sualkuchi is one of the largest weaving
After breakfast, you will drive a short distance to Samaguri
villages in the world. The entire
village well-known for paper-mâchÊ mask-making followed
population here is engaged in weaving
by a visit to pottery making village. You will return to your
exquisite silk fabrics.
lodge for lunch. Post lunch engage yourself in an
We will explore both the villages
interactive session with local Mishing weavers in a weaving
interacting with the artisans and
center located the nearby villages. Learn the techniques
waeavers and observing the whole
from the skilled weavers of these lands, and designs you
process.
will see will be the most unique of all that you must have seen elsewhere.
DAY 3 This morning we proceed to Kaziranga National Park where we will expereince a jungle safari on jeeps in the afternoon
DAY 4 After breakfast, we visit a village near the National Park and then proceed to a weaving center run by a local nongovernment organization. We will spend the day interacting with the women weavers there and also participate in a weaving workshop. Lunch at the weaving center. Post lunch you will go in for
DAY 7
another game drive inside the park.
After breakfast, you will drive to the bank for your ferry
DAY 5
back to Jorhat. Proceed to the airport for your journey
Early morning drive to Majuli, the largest river island in the world. Majuli is the seat of Vaishnava culture in Assam.
You
will cross the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli. You will visit the monasteries and the tribal Mishing Villages. Overnight at Mishing huts - a unique property made of bamboo slit huts with attached toilets.
PAGE 44 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
onwards.
TRAVEL STORIES
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BACK COVER PHOTO @ JOHN MAWER JUNE 2020 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS
