Jewels and Dress of the Khasis
Against a backdrop of scenic splendour where nature awaits to be explored and discovered and with its rich cultural heritage the Khasi-Jaintia people are endorsed with rich traditional finery, colourful costumes and jewellery.
The silver or gold crown is a distinctive article of Khasi jewellery worn by virgin ladies signifying the duties of a mother for a family and a scented flower “Tiew Lasubon” is attached behind it referring to modesty that a lady should have. A string like earring is usually attached to the ear which refers to the duties that a mother should render to her children and husband. Necklaces like the ‘Kanopad’ and ‘Paila’ is also worn by womenfolk during festive seasons. Another remarkable piece of jewellery of the Khasis is the 'Rupa-Tylli' or silver collar-a broad, flat silver band which hangs down the neck in front and is secured from behind. Bracelets called ‘Tad Rupa’ and ‘Mahu Rupa’ is also worn by women, made of gold and silver. The striking feature of bracelet is the “Khadu Syngkha” signifying a liberal, kindhearted and open-minded woman to advise her children to do what's right. 'Kynjri Tabah' also worn by womenfolk signifies responsibility she should have for the family.
Clothes like 'Ka Jainsem Dhara' which hangs loose below the knees after being knotted or pinned at the shoulders is a fine costume of the Khasis usually worn with a blouse called 'Sopti Mukmor.'
Khasi men wear earrings as large as gold pendants, oval or circular in shape, and a turban called 'Khor' usually worn by kings, queens and other noble family showing the personality and mien of a man which a 'Thuia' or a plume 18 inches long is attached to the turbans during festive season. Necklaces for men like the 'Shan Ryndang' and 'Paila' are also worn by men during the festive season which refers to courage, stature, power and strength of a man. The 'Kynjri Tabah' and 'Kynjri syngkai' are also worn by both men and women.
Men with their stature and strength are anchors carrying with them the duties of a father. During festive seasons like ‘Ka Shad Nongkrem’, ‘Shad Suk Mynsiem’ and other festivals both men and women wear these dresses and jewelleries. But added to this men carry with them a sword usually in his right hand when he dances indicating the duty he has for safeguarding the family. On his left hand he carries with him a wisp called 'Symphiah' signifying patience and intelligence a father should have. 'Ryngkap' a quiver with three silver arrows is also worn by them in which the arrows signify the blessings from God. The second arrow signifies blessings of the ancestors and clans while the third arrow signifies blessings of the ancestress.
Dresses of men includes a 'Boh Khaila' red in colour and a waist-coat called a 'Putoi' made out of animal's fur, usually a cock's hair which has in it ancient tales. The cock has significance in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills as it is still today.
The Khasi-Jaintia Hills has with it vast cultural heritage which till date their significance in the hills will not wither away. But what is needed is the perseverance to keep the good old heritage "a beauty adorned by all."

Healing touchesss....

Healing powers of plants
“You will find something greater in woods than in books.
Trees and stones will teach you
That which you can never learn from masters.”-St. Bernard

Plants are an integral part of nature, which nature in itself reflects the creative powers of a living God. All plants available in this part of the country-Scotland of the East-has in them powers of healing which man has never fathomed. They are bounties of life-sustaining force which we are really not in a position to tap because our attitude towards nature has become distorted.
Modern drugs are not only expensive, but many of them bring about side-effects which are more dangerous than the disease itself.
Here are some plants having with them healing properties widely available in all the seven districts of our state.

· Black Mulberry or (Soh Lyngdkhur in Khasi) is a popular plant in our state growing up to 10 meters high, has medicinal properties in its bark and fruits. While Seri culturists depend on the plant to feed silkworms, its oblong red fruit which turns to purple when ripe is nutritive. Its juice is a grateful drink for convalescents and anaemic, while the bark of the tree is used for expulsion of worms. It cools the body too!
· Castor (Dieng Ryndia) found to grow wild in the city’s wasteland has healing touches in it. While leaves and seeds are for external uses, the oil obtained from its seeds prevents dry wax in ears. Pounded castor leaves are also used for ulcers, wounds and boils. Besides it also helps rheumatism and headaches. So next time you spot it near your homes recognise it from a spiny capsule fruit it has which splits into three one-seeded parts when dry.
· Chrysanthemums (Tiew Jaiaw) the beauty of our homes blooming in around the city in the month of October is also seen with the Kongs in the city’s hub-Police Bazaar. Besides fetching a good price in a flower loving city, it relieves colds and inflamed respiratory tract. This charming beauty can also be used for whooping cough, boils and swelling. Chrysanthemum oil is applied locally in fungal affected areas and abdominal pain-Beauty with a cause!
· Jackfruit (Soh Phan) a large fruit sometimes weighing over 30 kilos is found in almost all the districts of the state. For those who haven’t spotted it, check out for this heavy branched tree with its foliage providing a beautiful shady resting spot along the Shillong-Guwahati road. The jackfruit root is a good remedy for diarrhoea, fever and asthma while the milky latex of the tree can be applied externally for wounds, glandular swellings and insect bites.
· Passion fruit (Soh Brap) a climber plant bearing 2 to 3 inches of fruit in diameter not only makes wonderful drinks rich in vitamin C but also aids in digestion, checks scurvy and takes care of spasms, convulsions and a remedy for weakness. Its leaves are also used in treatment of duodenal and nervous ulcers.
· Sponge-Gourd (Soh Prew) cultivated for use of the ripe fruit having sponge-like fibres and commonly used as bath sponge by all the locals is a herbaceous vine. The young fruit rich in phosphorous, iron and calcium too provides seeds which expels worms from the body. Its stem and leaves are also used for liver diseases, iron deficiency and anaemia.
· Tapioca (Phan Dieng) relished by the local people are cooked and prepared in a variety of ways. Its starch is not only used for making your favourite biscuits, puddings and other confectionery items, but heals the skin rashes and itchiness you’ve been yearning to get rid off.
· The handsome wood-apple tree (Soh Kwit) with fragrant flowers, a cricket-ball sized fruit which tastes sweet and sour is a laxative for fever. If eaten when half ripe it leaves a husky throat. But you have to taste it! For it tones the stomach, helps digestion and a remedy for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.
These were some of the plants that heal. But there are thousands and thousands of plants having in them healing powers that can promote health and alleviate illness. The natural substances in plants whether cultivated, planted or grow wildly when properly tapped are remedies for the service of man.

Cave in My state

India’s longest cave explored in Jaintia Hills

The recent measurement of length of the Krem Um Im or Lait Prah cave in Jaintia Hills, Nongkhlieh elaka measured by a team of international caver explorers put its length at 22.2. km. Now it surpasses Kotsati-Umlawan cave in length. Measuring over 22.2. km Lait Prah cave linking Krem Labbit (Khaidong) now will be regarded as the longest cave in the Indian sub-continent first to Kotsati whose length is 21.55 km.The discovery was made by an international team of 28 cavers who explored 39 caves, mapped and photographed to discover 15,498 meters of new cave passage.Addressing pressmen here today cavers Simon Brooks, Dr. Terence Whitaker and Meghalaya Adventures Association (MAA) general secretary B. D. Kharpran Daly said that till date over 1060 caves are known out of which 629 have been explored.“Caves in Jaintia Hills are unique,” Brooks said, adding “They vary in size and grandeur.” But un scientific extraction of coal and limestone and the scale of operations would one day affect the environment and their beauty if not preserved, Brooks said.Besides preservation, scientific study was needed in these caves as unique species were found like white fishes, crabs, crickets, shrimps and others , said Dr. Terence Whitaker who felt that universities in the country need to come up and work on these species.Urging the government to note on the preservation of these caves Kharpran said that they had potentialities to develop tourism.Relating their adventure in discovering caves, the cavers said they had explored Krem Labbit (Khaidong) in which 6,230.99 meters of passage were surveyed and a largest chamber found in the state measuring 50 meters by 60 meters and 30 meters in height named ‘Agoraphobia chamber’ in respect of its impressive size. Besides the discovery and exploration of Krem Umsohtung with 2,555.94 meters in length added an important section to the overall cave map of the Shnongrim ridge, the caver said. Other caves included Krem Tyrtong Ryngkoo with 1.7 km in length and Krem Tyngheng measuring 7.75 km.The discovery of caves in the state is impressive river cave mixed with huge fossil passage that creates cave systems equal in size and beauty found elsewhere in the world. The team of cavers included one from Austria, 17 from UK, one from Ireland, 2 from Switzerland, 2 from Denmark and 5 from the country itself who spent three and a half weeks from February 7 to March 1 in Jaintia Hills focussing on the caving areas of Shnongrim ridge in Nongkhlieh Elaka, Daistong on the south side of the Letein valley and in Semmasi area with the support from MAA, East and North East India tourist office, Kolkata and the state tourism department.