Travel Magazine Eventours Journeys June 2020

EVENTOURS

JOURNEYS stories that changes the way we travel

CLOSE LOOK

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

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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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WWW.EVENTOURS.IN

BACK COVER PHOTO @ JOHN MAWER JUNE 2020 EVENTOURS JOURNEYS