Dancing to the beat of 100 drums
If you visit Garo Hills in the state of Meghalaya in early November, chances are that you’ll be greeted by the sound of beating drums reverberating through this beautiful hilly region. After all this is when the Garos – a major tribe originating from Meghalaya – celebrate their main harvest festival known as Wangala. Paying […]
Land of spices and folklore
Nagaland may be best known for its Raja mirchi or King Chilli – it features among the five hottest chillies on the Scoville Heat Units list – but there’s a lot more to this north-eastern state than this red hot chilli pepper. A recently released book, Herbs and Spices of Eastern Nagaland, published by the […]
A work of heart
Scrolling through artist Thokchom Sony’s Instagram handle, it’s hard not to notice videos and images of the striking Golden Tortoise beetle or Sandrembi as it’s known as in Manipur – these tiny other-worldly creatures with a golden body and translucent wings that look ethereal. Much like Sony’s surreal works of art – striking watercolours of […]
Unearthing stories of a historic battle in Manipur
Did you know Britain’s ‘greatest battle’ was fought in Imphal and Kohima during WWII. Meet Rajeshwor Yumnam and his team of volunteers who are excavating relics and remains from this forgotten war For an event that turned the tide of history, very little is known about the twin battles fought in Imphal and Kohima between […]
A birdwatcher’s guide to the Northeast
Local guides from two wildlife sanctuaries in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on birds to look out for and handy tips for birders The Northeast is home to an enviable number of avian species both migratory and permanent residents across its many national parks. For the best birding experience, it makes sense to hire a local […]
Houses of reeds & bamboo that have stood test of time
Art conservator Avinibesh Sharma shines the light on fast-disappearing Assam type houses that were built to be earthquake resistant As the founder of Vintage Assam – a digital platform that documents the history of Assam using old photographs, archival documents, audio clips and the like – it was not surprising to learn that Jorhat-based Avinibesh […]
Making space for Northeast India’s creative minds
Northeast Edit – a gallery and creative collaborative space in Shillong – shines the spotlight on the region’s talented artisans For most of us, exposure to art and design from the Northeast is restricted to handicraft melas or visits to the emporium while travelling. There’s a certain imagery associated with such products as Priti Rao, […]
Planning a girls’ trip to the Northeast?
Women travellers to the Northeast share their experiences and some great travel tips On her website, Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything, shares some wonderful insight about why she thinks women can have more memorable experiences travelling on their own. “What I mean to say is, a woman on […]
Sustainable living bridge tourism is a must
Morningstar Khongthaw is keeping a centuries-old tradition alive by raising awareness about Meghalaya’s famous living root bridges
Flavours to savour in Meghalaya
The Khasi, Garo and Jaintia communities have their own culinary specialties. Here are eight recommendations Meghalaya – the abode of the clouds – comprises three main ethnic communities, namely, Khasi, Garo and Jaintia, with each tribe boasting their own unique cultural and culinary traditions. Meats such as pork, beef and chicken as well as preserved […]