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THE
FASCINATING NORTH EAST | MEGHALAYA “THE
ABODE OF CLOUDS“ | FESTIVALS OF
MEGHALAYA | TOURIST HOTSPOTS OF MEGHALAYA
| SHILLONG ‘SCOTLAND OF THE
EAST’ | THE SHILLONG GOLF COURSE
| MAJOR EDUCATIONAL HUB | EATERIES
OF SHILLONG
SHILLONG HOTELS | CITY OF
MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS | |
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THE
FASCINATING NORTH EAST |
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North-East India is entrenched
in the easternmost part of the Himalayan hills and is located
in the north-eastern part of the country. Linked to the other
regions of India by just a 20 km of open land at Siliguri in
West Bengal, the North-East India shares in excess of 2,000
km of frontier with Bhutan, China, Myanmar as well as Bangladesh.
Lying in the less familiar Easternmost Himalayas this expanse
is profuse in natural exquisiteness, Wild life, Flora &
Fauna in addition to its vibrant populace. A combination of
which transforms the area into the most attractive Eco-Tourism
hub in South Asia.
The terrain of Magnificent Mountains, covered with crests
of sapphire blue, the North-East turns out to be the expanse
where the sun appears first in the country. The first rays
of the sun by the way descends on Dong, a refreshingly tiny
rural community in the easternmost spot of the North-East
The North East is spread over an area of approximately 2,
55168 sq km. The entire region consists of several states
namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur,
Nagaland, Tripura as well as Sikkim. The population of the
region is estimated to be around 40 million. Assam through
which the grand Brahmaputra River flows is the most thickly
populated of all the states in the region and boasts of nearly
half of the population of the total area of the North East.
The major religions prevalent in the region are Hinduism,
Islam, and Buddhism together with Christianity. A number of
local dialects exist alongside Hindi, English, Assamese, Garo,
Jaintia, Khasi, Bengali, Mizo, Manipuri, Nagamese, Lepcha,
Limboo, Bhutia which are the major languages of the North
East spoken by the people of the region.
The North-East India is the place of origin of an assorted
number of ethnic groups which is approximately 166. Every
ethnic group has their own well-defined customs, which furnishes
them with an exclusive social characteristic. Several art
forms as well as celebrations of the region are fundamental
components of its vibrant custom as well as practice. Majority
of the celebrations such as Bihu, Jhum Cultivation, Ke Pemblang,
Nongkrem, reflect the exciting socio-cultural aspect of North-East
India.
Elegant dance forms such as Garia, Bihu, Hai Hak and Manipuri
are a crucial component of the ethnic and religious festivities
of the North-eastern ethnic groups. Present in groups, music
as well as dance traditions of the North-east are a treat
to gaze at.
The North-East India boasts of a unique food tradition, but
it varies greatly from the other parts of the nation in its
flavor and essence. Every state has a unique food habit. Generally,
denizens of the region prefer non-vegetarian and spice food.
Delicacies made from bamboo shoots and ducks are extremely
popular in the region. Animal flesh is regarded as part of
the traditional cuisine in several areas of North-East India.
Fish forms a prominent component in the food habits of the
people of Tripura and Assam. In several areas of the North
East people have preference for rice which is the staple food
for many communities that exist in the region.
The region is a traveller’s paradise luring those who
want to unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle
of life. For those who have a penchant for adventure and thrill,
there is plenty the region has in store for them. The charm
and excitement of observing wild life in its pristine state
is a major attraction for nature lovers. The spurting streams
and cascades, scenic mountain stretches are a real treat for
the eyes.
Sheltered by the great Himalayan hills, the whole of the North-East
region is supposed to be one of the most attractive expanses
in South Asia as far as prospects of ecotourism. The thick
forests situated in the foothill of Himalayan hills are known
for their breathtaking scenic grandeur and boasts of a number
wildlife parks that consist of Manas National Park in addition
to Kaziranga National Park, the renowned World Heritage Site.
Considered as one of the finest environmental regions where
one can get pleasure from eco activities, North-East India
is certainly a joy for admirers of nature.
Dubbed appropriately as the veiled treasure of India, North-East
India offers a broad range of eco activities such as Trekking,
Rafting, Nature Walk, Jungle Exploration and Wildlife Viewing
that goes a long way in ascertaining the beautiful natural
charm of the expanse. |
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MEGHALAYA “THE
ABODE OF CLOUDS“ |
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The word Meghalaya originates
from Sanskrit and means "The Abode of Cloud". The
name reveals the climatic occurrence that is responsible for
heavy rainfall in this area. Meghalaya is a state of grand attractive
splendor; a vista of verdant, surging hills, luxuriant valleys,
250 species of orchids, winding rivers, waterfalls, radiant
mountain streams as well as lakes. The southwestern monsoon
that originates in the Bay of Bengal has a great bearing on
the state of Meghalaya. The monsoon commences in May and extends
till October. With a July average of 959 cms, Mawsynram in East
Khasi Hills district experiences one of the heaviest rainfalls
in the globe. The weather conditions from November to April
are nearly dry. Winter starts in December and continues till
February.
The state came into existence as a self-governing state on
2nd April 1970 and on 2nd January, 1972 it started functioning
as a full-fledged state of the Indian Union. Meghalaya is
if great geographic and tactical significance for India. It
shares a border on the north and the east with the state of
Assam, and on its south and west Bangladesh is located. The
state can be broadly distinguished into three regions comprising
Garo (Western), Khasi (Central) and Jaintia (Eastern) hill
divisions.
In the Garo hills, the Tura stretch covers principally a central
segment progressing from west to east where the Nokrek summit
is positioned. Khasi -Jaintia stretches are entwined and is
characterized by an arched pattern. Spikes of stretches in
Jaintia hills are less elevated in comparison to the Shillong
Plateau; hill echelons are positioned alongside level terrains,
valley as well as pastures.
Meghalaya boasts of a wide array of flora as well as fauna.
Nearly 3000 types of approximately 17,000 species of orchids
on earth can be located in Meghalaya. A large number of exquisite
plants are extant in the district of Jaintia hills, West Khasi
hills and South Garo hills of the state. The state also has
a rich assortment of wild life ranging from elephants, tigers,
bear, jackal, leopard, and golden langurs.
Hornbills, King Vulture, Crested Serpent, Eagle, Partridges,
Teals, Snipes, and Quails are the birds that can be found
in large numbers in the state.
Meghalaya stretches over a zone of 22,720 sq kms and is populated
by approximately 2,306,069 individuals according to a previous
census. The census portrayed a sex-ratio in Meghalaya as 974
females for every 1000 males; in comparison to 923 females
for the rest of the nation all together. The somewhat high
sex ratio in Meghalaya may be credited to the prevalent custom
of matriarchal culture. The Khasi as well as Jaintia clans
are matriarchal in nature in which females particularly the
youngest daughter become the rightful owner of the immovable
assets of the departed. In fact, the female babies as well
as daughters acquire sufficient notice of the parents with
regard to schooling in addition to health concerns.
The majority of the people of Meghalaya are followers of Christianity
and prior to the advent of Christian missionaries in the late
19th century and afterward, a good number of natives pursued
tribal beliefs.
The people belonging to the Khasi, Garo as well as the Jaintia
region are endowed with a rich ethnic tradition. The key expertise
of the Khasi and the Jaintia districts are related to exquisite
weaving, wood-carving in addition to cane and bamboo skills.
The minor crafts consist of carpet as well as silk weaving
together with the manufacture of musical instruments, jewellery
along with pineapple fibre items.
The well-liked dexterity of the people from the Garo hills
district is connected to artistic weaving, cane as well as
bamboo expertise together with poker work- in which patterns
are etched into the bamboo by means of a red-hot pointed rod,
wood carving, jewellery and creation of toys and dolls from
clay in addition to musical instruments.
There are diverse folklore, viewpoints and conclusions concerning
the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos. It is thought that Khasis
were the first settlers who traveled across northern Myanmar
to Khasi in the meadows of East Assam where they set up new
base. Khasis in terms of linguistic significance symbolizes
the Mon-khmer vernacular prevalent in South-East Asia
The primeval territory of Khasis was restricted to the plain
by and large in the Kamrup as well as Nagaon Districts, Assam
and eastwards. The territories manifestly were Kamakhya(after
Ka meika) the primeval mother, Kolong or Kapli, Mahadem as
well as others. The Ka Meika kingdom afterward was recognized
as Nongwah, or Rani which subsisted till the halfway point
of the preceding century. As said by a number of historians,
the Khasis were a much more potent force in the primordial
period.
The origin of the Garos is cloaked in obscurity. Folklore
traces their origin to Tibet from where their ancestors branched
out to various locations. At some point in their journey they
were linked to Kameikha, Kamakha and Kamakhya. Garo legacy
is based on one of their eminent kings, Nokma Abong Chirepu,
who is thought to have integrated the diverse tribes in the
terrain under one territory and as singular people.
The Jaintias tribe owes its roots to the Hynniewtrep of the
Austric tribe. The people who dwell in the Jaintia hills are
known as Syntengs by the inhabitants of the Garo hills. It
is thought by historians that they that they had travelled
from Tibet-China from Mohkhmer clans in quest of food as well
as refuge. The Jaintia Kingdom was the ancient realm stretched
mostly in the hill regions. In the course of the British reign
their terrain was occupied. This resulted in a conflict between
the British and the Jaintias that continued. During 1935,
when political restructuring were made and additional sovereignty
was granted to Indian states as well as territories, the Khasi,
Garo as well as the Jaintia hills was managed by means of
the British resident administrator. In 1950 Garo hills, United
Khasi and Jaintia hills were kept under the aegis of sixth
schedule of the Indian constitution. The formation of Meghalaya
in 1972 led to the creation of three autonomous district councils
for the growth of the hills. The three councils were the Khasi
autonomous district council, the Jaintia autonomous district
council as well as the Garo autonomous district council
The district council is assigned with the development of
crucial spheres of life such as education, judicial legislature
as well as administrative work.
Meghalaya is principally an agrarian state in which roughly
80 percent of its entire populace relies mainly on agriculture
for a living. The state has a huge capability for augmenting
horticulture because of its agro-climatic diversity and provides
great opportunity for the farming of temperate, sub-tropical
as well as tropical fruits in addition to vegetables.
Apart from the chief food crops of rice and maize, Meghalaya
is famous for its oranges (Khasi Mandarian), pineapple, banana,
jackfruits, temperate fruits like plums, peaches and pears.
The prevalent cash crop, which are usually grown, comprise
turmeric, ginger, black pepper, areca nut, Betelvina, tapioca,
short staple cotton, jute and mesta, mustard and rapeseed.
Particular stress is currently put on non-traditional crops
such as oil seeds, cashew nut, tea and coffee, orchids as
well as commercial flowers.
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FESTIVALS OF MEGHALAYA |
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For the Garos, the most significant
celebration is the Wangala or the Hundred-drum Festival which
takes place from November to December. This is a harvest celebration
observed in admiration of Saljong, the Sun-God of productiveness.
The festivity symbolizes the termination of the phase of labour
in the fields, yielding a high-quality harvest of crops. Everyone
both young as well as old participate in the celebrations. The
men strike the drums and move in rhythmic harmony. Doregata
Dance Festival is an exciting dance form this captivating in
its presentation. In this form of dance, women attempt to remove
the turbans of their male counterparts, utilizing their heads.
Another form of dance that necessitates delicate proficiency
is the Chambil Mesara or Pomelo Dance. This is a dance form,
in which an individual swings a pomelo or any other fruit on
a string attached to his waist and subsequently flings it round
and round. The Khasis have two key celebrations - Nongkrem
Dance that takes place in Oct. / Nov. and Shad-Suk Mynsiem
that is observed in April. Nongkrem Dance is performed yearly
for five days in total. It is a sacred celebration observed
as prayer to God Almighty for excellent harvest and to yearn
for tranquility and opulence in the society. It is observed
in the month of November. A vital component of this celebration
is 'pomblang' or sacrifice of the goats, performed by the
people in honour of the Syiem of Khyrim. The Syiem is the
organizational chief of the state. Ancestors of the ruling
clan are also honoured by such offerings.
Behdienkhlam is the most vital dance celebrations of the
Jaintias. It is observe subsequent to the termination of the
sowing period. At Jowai town, this celebration is held in
July. Young men make a representational shooing away of the
evil spirits by pounding the roof of each house with bamboo
sticks. The high point of the revelry is the scuffle, as observed
in a tug-of-war, of two clusters of people contesting each
other. The Jaintias boast of another Dance fiesta for amusement
dubbed the Laho Dance, in which young men as well as women
dance to the cheerfulness of the spectators.
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TOURIST HOTSPOTS
OF MEGHALAYA |
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Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya boasts
of rich historical tradition and was the first British outpost
in the North East. Cherrapunjee is also known as Sohra, its
original name in Khasi. Located 56 kms from Shillong it is situated
at an elevation of 1300 metres from sea level. This location
receives a substantial amount of rainfall and is one of the
wettest rain-belts in the world. The deafening waterfalls running
into profound canyons, including the renowned Nohsngithiang
Falls are a delight for the sightseers. The exquisite town is
also well-known for its limestone caves as well as orange honey.
Hub of Khasi culture and literature, it also houses the ancient
Presbyterian Church together with an institution of the Ramakrishna
Mission. Mawsynram is famous for the enormous stalagmite
structure that resembles a Shivalinga, and dubbed by natives
as 'Mawjymbuin'. Mawsynram is situated 56 Kms from Shillong,
Located 64 kms from Shillong, Jakrem is a trendy health centre
possessing hot-springs of sulphur water, thought to have remedial
medicinal traits .
Numerous ancient monoliths and table stones can be found
in the Khasi Hills. The monoliths and table stones are cenotaphs
where the ashes of the deceased are left in cairns or commemorative
plaques, memorializing unforgettable events. The erect stones
usually symbolize men and are of great size, occasionally
extending to 6 metres or higher than the ground.
The key town in the Jaintia Hills district is Jowai located
at an elevation of 1,380 metres from the sea level and is
64 kms from Shillong. The yearly fiesta of Behdeinkhlam is
observed in a grand manner in Jowai. Travelling from Shillong
to Jowai, one comes across the picturesque Myntdu River.
Nartiang is situated in the Jaintia Hills roughly 65 kms
from Shillong and 24 kms from Jowai. There are collections
of monoliths in Nartiang that are amongst the towering in
the world.
The district command center of the West Garo Hills is Tura,
which is positioned 657 metres over sea level. Tura has a
charming setting of hills above the extensive curves of the
great Brahmaputra River on the plains beneath. The Tura Peak
is adjacent to the town and it is the perfect location for
climbers, trekkers as well as naturalists.
The state boasts of two National Parks namely Nobrek as well
as Balpakam, and two wildlife shelters known as Nongkyllem
and Siju.
Balpakram National Park
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is situated in the Garo Hills district
at a distance of 2 kms from Tura Peak. The reserve is one
of the least spoilt forest zones of the sub-Himalayan stretches.
It is the foremost biosphere reserve of its type in the northeast
expanse. The Garo Hills possesses numerous natural limestone
caves. The renowned Siju Cave is positioned extremely near
the Nophak Lake adjacent to the Simsang River Game Reserve.
The cave overflows with water and stretches for miles.
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SHILLONG ‘SCOTLAND
OF THE EAST’ |
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Shillong also referred to as Scotland
of the East for its scenic grandeur is the capital of Meghalaya,
an important state of the North East region of India. It is
positioned at an average elevation of 4,908 ft (1,496 m) over
sea level. According to a previous census the city is populated
by nearly 260,000 denizens. Shillong has gradually developed
in size and importance in its own customary means from a simple
village of the past when it was transformed into the new civil
station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British.
It continued to the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam
for a number of years. In 1874, when Assam came into being as
a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was selected as the headquarters
of the new administration due to its expedient position between
the Brahmaputra and Surma Valley and additionally since the
climate of Shillong was much cooler in comparison to tropical
India. Shillong continued to be the capital of undivided Assam
till the formation of the new state of Meghalaya on January
21, 1972 when Shillong was made the capital of Meghalaya and
Dispur became the capital of Assam. Attributable to
its position and elevated terrain, Shillong has a sub-tropical
climate with gentle summers and frosty to bitter winters.
Shillong is exposed to the tough monsoon conditions. The monsoons
descend on the state in June and there is rainfall approximately
the end of August. October-November and March-April are the
appropriate periods to travel to Shillong. Shillong is a hill
station that can be accessed by means of motorable roads all
throughout. However Shillong is devoid of railway tracks.
Umroi is a small airport, about 30 km from Shillong. At this
airport the majority of the flights land on specific days
of the week. Roughly 120km from Shillong, Guwahati is the
nearest major airport and railway station. Cherrapunjee and
Umiam Lake which are popular destinations for tourists are
located close to Shillong.
A previous census records Shillong’s population as
232,876. Males comprise 50% of the populace while females
constitute 50%. Shillong boasts of an average literacy rate
of 80%, which is superior to the countrywide average of 59.5%.
Literacy among men is estimated to be 83%, while female literacy
is about 78%. The majority of the population in Shillong consists
of the Khasis who reside alongside other northeast Indian
tribes together with large numbers of Bengali, Nepali, Assamese,
Biharis and Marwaris making it a rather multi-ethnic urban
area.
Christianity is the principal religion of Shillong with protestants
constituting three-fourth of the population while Catholics
accounting for the remaining one-fourth. A considerable percentage
of the residents pursue the original Khasi faith. Other religions
that are prevalent in India can also be traced in Shillong.
Shillong is separated physically into several areas. These
consist of Mawlai, Laitumkhrah, Pynthorumkhrah, Jaiaw, Mawkhar,
Mission compound, Malki, Rynjah, Nonthymmai, Umpling, Nonmynsong,
Lumparing, Riatsamthiah, Lamavilla, Mawprem, Jhalupara, Nongsohpoh,
Barapathar, Laban, Happy Valley, Madanrting, Laitkor, Firebrigade,
Lower Lachumiere, Upper Lachumiere, Old Kench's Trace, New
Kench's Trace, Polo, Rilbong Burnside, Jail Road
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THE SHILLONG GOLF
COURSE |
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The Shillong Golf Course in Shillong
boasts of being one of India's oldest golf courses. Shillong
has the distinction of possessing one of the biggest golf courses
in Asia known as "Glen Eagle of the East". It is considered
to be one of the few natural golf courses in Asia. The Shillong
course is noted for its picturesque grandeur characterized by
its appeal. Golf was initiated n Shillong in 1898 by a group
of British Civil Service officers who built a nine hole course
in its preliminary stages. The contemporary 18 hole course was
put in place in 1924.The course is positioned in an undulating
valley swathed by pine as well as rhododendron trees.
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MAJOR EDUCATIONAL
HUB |
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Shillong is a major educational
hub of the north east and has made significant contribution
in terms of academic development of the region. The highly esteemed
business school, the IIM Shillong is located in the city. Other
institutions of repute include NIFT or National Institute of
Fashion Technology, and NEIGRIHMS or North Eastern Indira Gandhi
Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences. Headquartered
in Shillong and with campuses in Tura, the North Eastern Hill
University is the principal university. Shillong boasts of a
number of important centres of learning which include St Anthony's
College, Shillong, St. Edmund's College, St. Mary's College,
St. Mary's College of Teacher Education, Shillong College, Shillong
Commerce College, Lady Keane College, Sankardev College, Raid
Laban College, Umshyrpi College, Union Christian College,Barapani
(Umiam Lake), Budha Bhanu Saraswati College, Mawprem, Shillong
Womens College.
Some of the schools that have made notable contributions
to the enrichment of education in the state include Assam
Rifles Public School, St. Edmund's School, Shillong, St.Peter's
School, St.Anthony's School, Loreto Convent, St.Margaret's
School, St.Mary's School, Pine Mount School, Shillong Public
School, All Saint's School, Seven Set School, Kendriya Vidyalaya
NEHU, Lady Keane School, Laitumkhrah Presbyterian School,
Army School, Shillong, Laban Bengalee Boys' Higher Secondary
School, St.Johns Whitehall, Queenie Secondary School, Laban,
Shillong, Mawprem Modern Higher Secondary School, Mawprem,
Shillong and B.K. Bajoria,Shillong
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EATERIES OF SHILLONG |
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Shillong boasts of a number of
restaurants which are famous for the delicate and mouthwatering
cuisines served by them for the connoisseurs of good food. Some
of the well-known eateries of Shillong include The Granary,
City Hut Dhaba, Broadway Restaurant, La Gallerie, Palomino,
The Wok,
Vilippi Restaurant, TKS Dinning Room, Bamboo Hut Restaurant,
Bread Café, Cloud 9, Cafe Coffee Day and Eden Restaurant.
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SHILLONG
HOTELS |
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There are a number of hotels that
provide excellent accommodation for a comfortable stay for visitors
who come to explore the charm of The Scotland of the East. The
major hotels of Shillong are Pinewood Hotel, Broadway Hotel,
Centre Point Hotel, Hotel Pegasus Crown, Hotel Yalana, Hotel
Alpine Continental, and Hotel Polo Towers. |
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CITY OF MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS
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Shillong is regarded as the rock
music hub of India. A number of international and Indian rock
groups perform in Shillong each year. Shillong has also seen
the rise of a number of musicians whose feats are significantly
acknowledged all over India. Some of the International rock
bands that have enthralled the music lovers of Shillong in the
past are Eric Martin's Band, Iron Maiden (Paul Di'Anno), Scorpions,
Firehouse, Petra (a Gospel Rock band)
Sepultura, Bob Fitts (Gospel Singer), Michael Learns To Rock,
Mr Big, White Lion.
Shillong is also the home to a number of local rock groups
that include Soulmates, Revel Soul, Great Society, King Apple,
Snow White, Colors and Midnight Garden Factor. |
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