TRAVEL GUIDE MEGHALAYA THE ABODE OF CLOUDS
CONTENTS i. The Locals iii. the FOOD
ii. The Nature
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
iV. the Festive
Away From Civilization, Yet So Close People in Meghalaya are still very traditional in a true sense. Many people don’t know how to speak Hindi or English. Their tribal languages dominate the region, such as Khasi, Garo, Pnar. In spite of the day-to-day conversational challenges, the people of Meghalaya are still extremely warm, friendly and welcoming and are heading towards globalization. Today, you’ll find people living in closed communities building access to healthcare, schooling and religion.
Ladies Rock One of the only states in India to practice matrilineal tradition, men in Meghalaya move to a woman’s house after marriage. The youngest woman of the household inherits the family property, carries the family lineage and the children take their mother’s family name.
Pioneering Environmentalists One of the striking facts about Meghalaya is that the land in the state is owned by local tribal communities and not the government. This land has been preserved by the communities. In fact, some of the villages in Meghalaya boast of forests as old as 800 years or more. This is cultivating a sense of ‘respecting the nature’, ahead of human development.
You Can Meet Mr. Lazy As funny as it may sound, you’ll find people in Meghalaya named as Lazy, Help Me, Bless, Heaven, and so on. Some of the tribes give these names to their children, with some inspiration from the Bible. Of course, not having known the meanings of these words, the generations have passed these making them an integral part of the Meghalayan culture.
“
The Wettest Place On Earth”
Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji Located near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on earth, Nohkalikai Falls is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. Name of the falls (in Khasi language - "Jump of Ka Likai") is linked to a legend about a local woman, Likai, who after a family tragedy became insane and jumped off the cliff next to the falls.
Umiam Lake, Shillong Frequently visited by both, a nature and adventure enthusiast, Umiam Lake is one of the most popular and scenic spots in Shillong, Meghalaya. The pristine lake is among those places where you can spend some sere moments and adore the beautiful surroundings. The lake is also famous as the Barapani or Big Water.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunji Thick tropical woods of Meghalaya drops of dew upon it and sweet chirps make it a scenic spot. A popular attraction of Cherrapunji, Living Root Bridges are located in close proximity with the Wettest Place on Earth, Mawsynram. The vicinity is covered with clouds and rains for much of the year. The most renowned is the Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge. These are formed due to the entanglement of roots.
Purest Lake in Dwaki, Shillong A place called Dwaki is 96 km from Shillong, Meghalaya .A river called Umngot flows through it. The water is ultimately pure and so clear that it looks like boats are not flowing in water, they're re flying in the air.
Laitlum canyons, Shillong Adore the picturesque Shillong from Laitlum canyons; a wonderful spot covered in mystical mist and fog. The view point is one of the most popular and sought after attractions for adventure and nature lovers. It allures thousands of people from all parts of the world. The gorgeous view of green hills, bamboo plants, foggy clouds and the orchids, all from one point might leave you awestruck.
Mawlynnong/Mawlynnong Village Located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, also referred as ‘God’s own garden’ has won the acclaim of being the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. The village known for its cleanliness is located around 90 kms from Shillong and is a community based eco-tourism initiative. The community has made collective effort to maintain the ambience of a clean village. village also offers a sight of natural balancing rock, a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on another rock.
ThE FooD
Nahkham Fish is widely eaten in the North-eastern India. But how about dried stinky fish mixed with rice and served with onions, coriander, garlic, red chilli and burnt powdered ash of wood or anything else? Yes, that is Nahkham that tastes pungent to the extent of being called one of the extreme foods of Garo tribe that stinks. The Garo tribes are believed to have migrated from Tibet around 400 years ago and settled in this part of India.
Jadoh Do you want the one suitable for a tourist, or are you adventurous enough to try the traditional Jadoh of the Khasi tribe. While most of the Khasi food involves some or the other form of meat, vegetables generally take a back seat and are only consumed as salads. Most of the tourists opt for the Jadoh that is cooked in pork fat itself. The locals also enjoy eating 'Jadoh snam' that is cooked in blood. The spices are really different and be careful choosing the type of blood as it can enhance or destroy the flavour. Are you up for it?
Momos They are to die for, to kill for. Want to try some of the most delicious dumplings in the world. Meaty fillings in creamy, light shells with spicy chutney. If you are a non-vegetarian, you must order the pork momos. If pork is a no-no, take heart, their chicken momos are also to rave about. Vegetarians, don’t be dishearten by all my meattalk – the veg momos their may make you wish that you lived in Shillong!!
Doh Khlieh Has anyone ever asked you not to eat their brains when you talked useless? The matter is serious over here. Doh Khlieh, is a delicious delicacy that comprises of pig brains cooked in curry and eaten with Indian bread. Doh Khlieh is also cooked as a salad with steamed pork, pig brain and onions. While most of the delicacies above seem weird, it is definitely worth a nibble on each one of these. So, are you up for it brain eater?
Bamboo Pickle ‘I would rather eat a meal without meat than live in a place without bamboo’ - said a renowned medieval Chinese poet of the Song dynasty. Bamboo shoot is such a common ingredient across the North East, found in all kitchens, that just the thought of bamboo shoot brings the smell of home to mind. Pickled Bamboo Shoot preserves the subtle flavour and crunchy texture of the bamboo and its very appetising smell.. Also, it’s 100% vegetarian. Enjoy here the unique taste and satisfaction that only bamboo shoot can give you!
Dika/ Bitchi The colorful people here make their form of local brew of beer. Some makes it out of rice and other from fruits. But one thing which is similar – it is used as a refreshing drink during times of festivity. In Garo Hills of Meghalaya, it is made out of rice. This refreshing drink of the Garo's culturally holds of much significance. As in the time of festivity this is used not just for merrymaking but also as an offering to their form of deity "Salgra" – or the sun God.
Wangala One of the most important festivals held during the second week of November for two days. This is also known as the 100- drum beat festival held in Asanang village near Tura in the Garo Hills. The Garo tribes observe this festival. This is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God- Misi Saljong, also known as The Great Giver. On the occasion of the festival, people offer the first morsel of rice, as an act of thanksgiving to the Almighty for giving a bountiful harvest. This is also the time when the head of the community, “Sangnakama� visits every house in the village and sacrifices a pumpkin. On the eve of the festival, the village chief- Nokma performs a ritual known as Chu- Rugala and offers rice beer along with cooked rice and vegetables to Misi Saljong. Nongkrem Dance festival is celebrated by Khasis on similar grounds.
Behdienkhlam Festival Jaintia tribe celebrate this festival at Jowai in July for three days. The festival is observed to ward off the demon of Cholera/ plague. Local deity is worshipped for a bumper crop. Women do not take part in the rituals, as they are engaged in the task of preparing the sacrificial food for their ancestors. As part of the celebrations, “Raths� tall decorated structures are carried by 30-40 men to a small lake at Aitnar for immersion. An important attraction of the festival is the game called as Dadlawakor. The game is played on the last day by using a wooden ball between two teams. The team which gets the ball on the other side wins the game. The side on which the winning team gets the ball symbolizes bumper harvest in that particular region in the following year. Men dressed in their traditional best dance to traditional songs in the evening. Fun and frolic mark the celebrations.
Important Links http://megtourism.gov.in/welcome.html http://northeasttourism.gov.in/index.html http://www.wonderlusters.com/meghalaya-finding-peace-in-indias-northeast/ https://www.facebook.com/AIESEC.ISMDhanbad/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Contact Mr.Shubham Modi : https://www.facebook.com/shbmodi?fref=ts Mr.Vinay Gundabathina : https://www.facebook.com/gundabathina.vinay?fref=ts Mr.Kapil Suhane : https://www.facebook.com/kapil.suhane?fref=ts Mr.Vaishnav Chaudhari : https://www.facebook.com/vaishnav.chaudhari.1?fref=ts
THE ROAD
NOT
TAKEN
DESTINATION
MEGHALYA