North Eastern India has unique culture and traditions. During our trip to Meghalaya, we experienced some of this and this episode covers that.
From Shillong, we visited the Sacred Forest of Mawphlong which is a revered place for the locals
Mawphlong Sacred Forest
A forest revered by the local Khasis, this place resembles the meadow mounds at Munnar in Kerala. But at the other end of these mounds is a thick canopy of trees which comprise these sacred forests.
A wooden board invites us to the sacred forest which has a monolith just outside its main entrance.
Such monoliths are found all over Meghalaya much like the white flags in Bhutan. They are commemorative and put up by families in memory of their dear ones.
The board and the monoliths in front with the sacred forest behind
Just before we entered the sacred grove, our local guide briefed us about the significance of the forest. The locals consider this a very sacred place and hence we are not allowed to carry anything out of the grove. He said he has personally seen people who did not adhere to the rules being cursed and punished.
After the briefing we slowly started walking through the grove.
The entrance to the sacred grove
There is a paved passage in between tall trees on either side and our guide explained the significance of some of the plants and trees.
Inside the sacred forest
One of the first things was a fern with brown tender shoots. These brown shoots are processed and used as earrings by the local women. He also explained how the Rhododendron flowers were used for color and also in tea.
The fern that is used as earrings and the Rhododendron tree
Many of the trees had mushrooms and orchids growing on them
Mushrooms growing on trees
Various kinds of lichen and moss were seen growing on the tree trunks and some of them are believed to change color when wet. A cute blue flower called cat flower that glows in the dark was seen all along the forest floor.
Lichen and moss and the cat flower that glows in the dark
An important tree we saw was the Rudraksh tree. It is sacred for the Hindus who wear the rudraksh on the body for various positive effects. We also saw multi faced rudraksh seeds.
Outside the grove, various kinds of Rudraksh seeds were on sale.
The Rudraksh tree and a three faced rudraksh seed
Rudraksh seeds for sale
The religious importance of this forest for the locals was visible in the form of monoliths at several locations. Some of them were places where rituals were held.
Monoliths where rituals were held
Before we left the sacred grove our group posed for a picture…
Our group in the sacred forest
Another destination that revealed the cultural diversity of NE India was Cherrapunji
Our resort at Cherrapunji was very beautifully located and here are some pictures from there…
Views from our resort with densely forested hill slopes across a deep valley
At most places in Meghalaya, beautiful flowers, particularly orchids had bloomed in plenty; adding colour and beauty to the place…
The flower beds that added to the beauty of the place.
One of the activities at the Cherrapunji resort was a heritage walk from the resort to a small village nearby . The early morning fresh air with the chirping of the birds and the typical smell of burning firewood from the homes was a welcome change for us.
During the heritage walk to the village…
A traditional village home
Evenings at the resort were fun filled with lot of singing and dancing by the hotel staff..
The girls danced to a local song (click on the video to watch)
Another dance with swords…
They also had traditional attire for the guests to try on and some of us ladies tried it too..!!!
Ladies from our group in traditional attire..
The staff also encouraged us to perform their local dances. Here is a video for you to enjoy…
Our group members perform a traditional dance( click on video)
A picture with the performers in the end…
During our visit to Kaziranga National park also, there was a cultural show where traditional dances were performed..
Some pictures from the cultural show…
Traditional instrumental music ( click on video)
Click on the video to enjoy the traditional dance
Traditional dances
Click on video to watch a dance performance
The Tantric Temple at Guwahati where feminity is worshipped was another cultural and religious attraction.
Kamakhya Temple
A tantric temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, this temple also reflects the cultural diversity of the North East.
Built initially in between the 8th and 9th centuries, the temple has seen many modern additions and modifications. Female sexuality is worshipped here and the annual festival symbolises celebration of menstruation of the Goddess.
Offerings to the Goddess are usually flowers but may include animal sacrifices.
Some pictures from this unique temple…
The exterior of the temple with beautiful carvings
When we visited the Goddess…
Well, this is just a sample of the unique culture and artistic forms seen in this part of India. Rich in culture and tradition, this part stands out for its diversity and beauty.
With this, I conclude the series on Meghalaya. We now go on to Ladakh; another amazing part of India that will leave you spell bound.
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