wayne: Hidden behind the lens

wayne: Hidden behind the lens

Bowled...welcomed...and STUNG!!!!

The German Rock band, Scorpions are bowled over by ‘fresh air’ of the hills. They said that the hills and green lush impressed them.

Scorpions were also given a traditional welcome at the Ri Kynjai resort, Umiam.

The ‘Humanity Tour’ concert drove all young and old music lovers to a cyclonic exploration of the ‘stinging music’ of an internationally acclaimed band that surpasses the music scene for 37 years.

The Unexplored Jewel

Meghalaya acknowledged as the ‘abode of clouds’ offers multi dimensional spectrum of picturesque locations endowed by nature. Amongst many of its attractions, the queen of hill station has always been a hot favourite for tourists. Beautiful water falls, add more to the magical beauty of the state. Nongkhnum Island, in West Khasi Hills, which recently came for reckoning as “The Second Largest Island in Asia”, after Majuli Island in Assam is located a few kilometers away from Nongstoin.

Meghalaya's captivating beauty is the main source of attraction for the tourists all over. Nature has blessed the state with abundant rainfall, sun-shine, virgin forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, meandering streamlets and above all with strong, intelligent and hospitable people which are worth pride to show the world that the state is the most fascinating state in the country.

Meghalaya, a miniature state with stunning features, is but a hilly strip in the north-east India. People know much about East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills but know little about West Khasi Hills. It has remained non-descriptive to local and out station tourists.

Nongkhnum Island, which recently emerged into focus as “The Second Largest Island in Asia”, after Majuli Island in Assam is located 14 kilometers away from Nongstoin. This Island has remained unidentified to tourists for many years except for few.

Traveling on vehicle from Nongstoin through the villages of Lawse, Mawduh and Mawthar, about an hour to reach the Island. There is a wooden bridge over the Weinia Falls to enter the Island. Nongkhnum Island was a popular fishing spot for many and people even from Shillong ventured there. The site is undulating for the eyes and is a dream delight for the tourist. This enchanting place with its thick forest, grassland, waterfalls and beautiful lakes gives an appeal worth visit.

The atmosphere is breathtaking. It strikes the visitor the moment he or she enters here. Nature unfolds a strange ambience in many sites as they are still largely free from pollution. What a bliss that such a vast area is still open for tourists to discover! There are interesting varieties of flora and fauna awaiting the first full view by nature lovers.

The Island is formed by the bifurcation of Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. At the point of divergence, there is a beautiful sandy shore about 100 sq. meters in area. The Phanliang River forms a beautiful lake adjacent to the sandy beach. This lake is about 400 to 500 sq. meters. The River then moves along and before reaching a deep gorge, forms a pretty falls about 60 meters high, called Shadthum Fall. At the bottom of the falls, there is a beautiful pool where a variety of fishes can be found. It then continues its journey and finally reunites with the Namliang River, near a place called Thongrin.

The Namliang River first flows towards the north and then changes its course towards the west. It then reaches a gorge and forms two narrow falls. The first one is called Riatsohkhe fall and is near Mawthar village. The second one is the wonderful and beautiful Weinia fall, which is about 60 meters high. The River then flows further west till it reunites with the Phanliang River on the western rocky shore and then flow towards the west. After a distance of about 10 kms from the Island, it reaches the deepest gorge and forms the longest fall in the region of about 335 to 340 meters high, called Langshiang fall.

The area bounded by the two Rivers, i.e. Phanliang and Namliang forms the Nongkhnum Island. Within the Island, there are big trees and areas of grassland and natural playground suitable for playing football and golf and even for landing a helicopter. There are plenty of fishing pools, especially near the sandy shore, called Wei-Phanliang. Angling offers another favourite sporting event.

There are number of places in West Khasi Hills and other districts of the State worth harnessing into tourist spots but lack of initiatives by the tourism department has been a major impediment to suitable exposure. Even as the stretch of road links are deplorable and attributes to negate the desire.

Though the State Government has shown keen interest in developing the tourism industry in the State, litle has been done to promote this river island which can give a major boost to State tourism. The road is accessible by vehicles like Tata Sumos, Jeeps and Gypsies to the river island.

It is about time that the state government recognizes the immense hidden potentials and embarks into improving facilities in the state to garner the prospect bestowed by nature’s glory. If road connectivity and accommodation facilities do not improve, it is unattainable to promote this island or even other tourist destinations in the State.

The 108th Seng Kut Snem

The Khasi community on this day commemorates the foundation of the Seng Khasi, a movement to preserve and conserve the Khasi belief, tradition and culture of the indigenous tribes. The celebration started with greetings to the ancestors of the community followed by a procession accompanied by tabloids depicting the culture of the people. Besides, folk songs, dances and instrumental music were played during the celebration.

Seng Khasi Assistant General Secretary Banteilang Rumnong said that the Seng Khasi was founded on November 23, 1899 when the British had started to dominate the community. He said that during those years culture and traditions of the Khasi started to dwindle. Therefore, under the leadership of 16 magnanimous men the movement was established with the sole aim to stand up for the community against the oppression of the British. “This was a day of renaissance and uprising to save the community from disappearing into oblivion,” Rumnong said.

Significance of the procession: A way to showcase the culture and tradition of the Khasis besides mobilizing the community to participate in it with zeal. At the Weiking ground the Lyngdoh (religious chief) of Sohbar Mestin Tymthai performed prayers for the people to invoke the Gods for a prosperous life.

Lost and Alone

Lost and so alone

Born but never known

Left all on their own

Forgotten children

We'll never hear a name

They carry all the blame

Too young to break the chains Forgotten children

They see, they feel, believe

Just like we do

They're laughing, and crying

Wanna live here

Like You and Me...

Mr....BIG (Eric Martin) in Shillong

A traditional welcome...

Amit's Home-coming

Dressed in Khasi attire singing sensation and darling of Shillong Amit Paul arrived home today amidst a hysteric crowd at Mawlai and JN Stadium complex.As 24-year old Shillong's blue eyed boy and one of the favourites of the Sony Reality TV show Indian Idol 3 Amit sang " Nasha ya pyar ka nasha hai, ki yaaron baat meri mano" the crowds went into rapturous orgy. From the time he entered the entire city came to a halt with hours of traffic jam in the entire city. He landed in Shillong on a day visit and went straight to St. Peter School-where he had studied- to meet his teachers and the school students. The school which was having its mid term examination postponed it to enable the students to interact with him. Amit's arrival in Shillong has electrified the atmosphere as thousands of Shillongites poured out to see him at two different venues. School and College students were seen bunking classes and heading towards the venues. The grand receptions for Amit at Mawlai, which is considered the heartland of sub-Khasi nationalism, was a truly binding moment for Shillong as it reflected the communal harmony that the government was craving for a long time. At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex, the singing sensation was greeted with a larger crowd. The crowds' attendance today put the audience that came during the MLTR concert to a pale shadow. The mixed audience, consisting of tribal and non-tribal, hanged on to every word that Amit spoke and sang along with him to show its solidarity and support for the Shillong lad. Talking to media persons soon after the major welcomed he received, Amit said, “I am thrilled by the love and welcome that I receive today from the people of Shillong.” Confident that he would win the Indian Idol crown, Amit said, “I would owe a lot to the people of Shillong and when I become one I will not forget my hometown.”“The only thing that I can give to the people of Shillong when I win is love,” Amit said recalling the cries and shouts of the people while welcoming him. Shillong is a treasure house of talents, Amit said urging young people not to be scared and do whatever is right.

Shillong's Lad (Amit Paul)

Amit Paul's Nasha

Bridges....no crossing!!!!

BSF personnel says NO TRESPASSING!!!!!!!

Football Diplomacy

Border Security Force (BSF) and the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) for a football diplomacy.

The Roots Festival, 2007

The Roots Festival, 2007