The beauty and glory of Majuli, the largest river islands of the world, the rich wildlife of Manas National Park at Bansbari and the British era tea garden charm in Assam alongwith many other exciting and breathtaking natural tourist spots of Meghalaya were showcased to participants of the latest webinar.
Continuing with the task of showcasing beautiful landscape and tourist spots of the country, Tourism Ministry organised its eighth webinar initiative on “North East India-Experience the Exclusive villages” with focus on Assam and Meghalaya highlighting the lesser known villages.
Unfolding the webinar series under “Dekho Apna Desh” theme, North East India was presented as the land of exquisite beauty, offering a blend of emerald landscape, azure water body, pristine silence, infinite vastness and mesmerizing local populace.
The infinite variety of its geographic setting, its topography, its varied flora and fauna and avian life, the history of its people and the variety of its ethnic communities and their rich heritage of ancient traditions and lifestyles, its festivals and crafts make it a holiday wonderland that just requires to be discovered afresh.
According to Tourism Ministry, the government’s special focus area is to highlight Northeast’s potential in tourism sector and its amazing diversity which makes it a holiday destination for all seasons.
The webinar was presented by Arijit Purkayastha, CEO, Koyeli Tours and Travels and Shreya Barbara, Chief Operating Officer, Landscape Safari.
Highlighting many beautiful villages of Assam and Meghalaya, it showcased rural India’s many aspects including Tea bungalows, Majuli island, Nalbari of lower Assam, ‘David Scott’s trail and Jowai of the Jaintia Hill among others.
Assam
Sualkuchi – situated on the Northern banks of the Brahmaputra about 35 km from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a block of Kamrup district. It is one of the World’s largest weaving villages where 74% of the households are engaged in weaving exquisite silk fabrics ranging from the golden Muga to the ivory white Pat and the light beige Eri or Endi silk is famous for its centuries old heritage of weaving. People here support the concept of Ahimsa Silk breeding where silk is obtained without killing the silk worms. It is a noble step towards creating an Eco friendly environment.
Ranthali – Is a very small village of Nagaon district and is famous for handmade jewellery and the designs mostly depict floral and fauna treasures of the region. Traditional designs of Assamese jewelleries are simple but decorated with vibrant red gemstone, ruby or mina.
Hajo – Hajo is 25 km from the city of Guwahati and is famous as a Pilgrimage Centre for the Hindus, Buddhists & Muslims with the revered Temple Hayagriva MadhavaTemple & the famed Mosque, Powa Mecca located here. It is believed that Lord Buddha is believed to have attained Nirvana at The Hayagriva Madhava temple. This temple has a pond which has provided a safe haven to black soft shell turtle. No one harms them as they consider them as incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Dadara – The endangered species of the greater adjutant stork; Hargila as called in Assamese, finds an exclusive home in Dadara. There are about only 1500 greater adjutant storks left in the world and the largest nestling colony, about 500 adjutant storks get a safe haven in this village. The inspiring story of their conservation can be traced to the Hargila Army led by Green Oscar Awardee, Smt Purnima Devi Barman.
Sarthebari – The bell metal industry of Assam is the second largest handicraft sector after bamboo craft. Bell metal is an alloy of copper and tin and the craftsmen of this industry are referred to as ‘Kahar’ or ‘Orja’.
Nalbari area of Lower Assam – A cluster of villages connected with a common link, community based employment with the production of the famous Japi of Assam. The conical hat of Assam, Japi was historically used by farmers in the fields to protect them from the sun. Today the colourfully decorated Japi has become a mark of Assam’s cultural symbol.
Bansbari – located 140 kms from Guwahati, bordering Bhutan foothills. Bansbari encompases the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Manas National Park, which is a habitat of numerous flora and rich wildlife, many of which are endangered and vulnerable.
Tea Bungalows of Assam – A cluster of multi ethnic community, the tribes, employed in the tea industry, Assam’s largest industry. Various tea gardens have opened their doors for tourists to experience the British era tea garden charm.
Majuli – one of the largest River Islands of the World, Majuli which is situated in the midst of river Brahmaputra. Majuli is a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, initiated around 15th century by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. It is known as the cradle of Assamese civilization.
Namphake Village – Also known as beautiful Tai-Phakey village is one of the oldest and most respected Buddhist Monastry of Assam.
The Buddhist community have their origin from Thailand and speak a dialect similar to Thai language and still follow customs and traditions of the Tai race. The community is believed to have entered Assam in the 18th Century.
Villages of Meghalaya
The ‘Abode of Clouds’ is a cool pine fresh mountain State set on dramatic horseshoe formation of rocky cliffs, deep gorges and valleys. Three hundred varieties of orchids are found in the State which is also rich in wildlife. Meghalaya needs no introduction in the tourism Map of India with its beautiful destinations.
Mawphlang – the beautiful valley is famed for its sacred forest, a nature’s own museum with a treasure trove of unique flora which is seldom seen in other parts of the world. The sacred groves, revered and preserved by local Khasi communities, has the megaliths believed to be 500 years old. Close to the amazing sacred groves is the ‘David Scott’s trail’, a trekking zone amidst beautiful Meghalaya’s landscape as one walks through streams, rocks, forest and local villages.
Kongthong – a whistling village where each villager has a name which is whistled. When a child is born, the mother give a name, a whistling name, a tradition being followed since ages.
Jakrem – It is located 64 km from Shillong on the Shillong-Mawkyrwat road and is famous for its sulphurhot water springs with curative medicinal properties. Jakrem has now developed as a potential health resort and is also famous for adventure activities like rafting, hiking and cycling.
Nongriat – A village famed for the living-root bridge. The bridges are tangles of massive thick roots, which the local people inter-twine to form a bridge that can hold several people at a time. The useful lifespan of the bridges is thought to be 500–600 years. The double decker living root bridge is the biggest of all root bridges, and the rainbow falls is one of the beautiful waterfall in the State.
Shnonpdeng – Is a beautiful village located in the Jaintia hills of Meghalaya where the serene Umngot river flows. Umngot river is famed for its crystal clear water, so clear that when seen from a above, it appears as if the boat is floating in mid-air.
Jowai – Located in the Jaintia Hill district, is renownedfor its scenic vistas that are exclusive to this region. Enclosed by Myntdu river from three sides, it maintains chilly winters while the summers are pleasant. Monoliths exist throughout the length and breadth of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. However, the biggest collection of monoliths or Megalithic stones is found north of the Nartiang market. Durga temple at Nartiang is a place of worship. Krang Suri Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the district.
Ministry’s efforts to show case India’s landscape, Cities and other experiences through webinars are also available on youtube Channel of Incredible India and Ministry’s website www.incredibleindia.org and www.tourism.gov.in
The webinar on North East India-Experience the Exclusive villages had 3654 participants and was attended by people from many countries including Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, France and Germany.