Every Picture Has A Story

By: Himsiringdao Hapila Meghalaya’s Kongthong has been in the limelight all for musical reasons – known to visitors as the singing village, where everyone has a song to their name, where people communicate in tunes — a traditional extraordinaire that is said to be on the gradual decrescendo. In Meghalaya’s Kongthong, one from the valley called Khadar Shnong of 12 villages — people address each other in the most delightful way, by singing a song. People sing their names. People have the concept of a tune for every person, a peculiar musical tradition of identifying a person. This tradition extraordinaire has been known as Jingrwai Iawbei. Every mother devises a tune for the child. Khasi is a matricidal society where they honour the woman who started the clan. When a woman is pregnant, she also conceives a particular tune, sometimes a birdcall, water droplets, streams, psithurism or any sound of nature, which then becomes the name of the newborn. After the birth of the child, adults arou...

By: Himsiringdao Hapila The legend of how villagers turned into tortoises mystifies visitors to this day   Deep into the virgin forests of Assam’s remote Dima Hasao district, lies the secrets of the existence of century old tortoises, mired in legends, mysteries and supernatural beliefs. The Hajong lake, situated in the Langting-Mupa reserve forest of the has been the attraction of biologists, zoologists and nature loving tourists since the last few years, the big mystery being the existence of hundreds of Hill Terrapin tortoises, that seem to have made this lake their home. It is the only natural tortoise habitat in Assam.   There are many superstitious myths associated with the origin and existence of the lake and its tortoises that it bewilders the listener to disbelief about such absurd myths passed on from generations to this modern day. As a matter of fact, these legends have added curiosity among the visitors, propelling the local authorities to declare a day as tortois...

By: Himsiringdao Hapila Handloom is a vital part of the Indian culture and heritage that can be traced over thousand centuries in India. The exquisite designs that the artisans exhibit through their craftsmanship and handiwork are a testament to their efforts and distinct creativity.   Assam is famous for its extra-weft weaves, where the motif is embossed on the woven cloth – these motifs draw inspiration from rich Assamese tradition, folklore and legends.   Dipika Kakati began weaving commercially for low wages at an early age. She learned weaving at the early age of 8, she was taught by her mother.        ·        How long have you been weaving? OR How old were you when you were introduced to weaving? I have been weaving regularly ever since I was 15. We made  ghamosa  and other traditional clothes at home for the family. I am 39 years old now and continue to weave.   ·        What...

By: Himsiringdao Hapila   Vekuvolu Dozo is a young loin loom weaver from Nagaland.  Vekuvolu learned weaving from her aunt at the age of 18. She says, “It is important in our culture to know how to weave on a loin loom as a ritual in our tribe involves gifting a shawl to the groom by the bride.” Lion loom is one of the most primitive forms of weaving. Each strand of yarn is handpicked to form beautiful geometric patterns, using designs that are rooted in tradition, culture and mythology.   ·        Who’s the first person to introduce you with a handloom?   My mother’s sister taught me how to weave at the age of 18, right after which I got married. It is important in our culture to know how to weave on a loin loom as a ritual in our tribe involves gifting a shawl to the groom by the bride.    ·        How long have you been weaving? OR How old were you when you were  introduced to weaving? I ha...