Umngot River in the remote town of Dawki has been a major crowd puller with its lush greenery and crystal clear blue water.
The river that flows through a small town in the Jaintia Hills is a must visit while travelling through the northeastern part of India.
A tourist from Kolkata visiting the place said, “I just love Shillong, I have visited been here before but it is my first time here (at Umngot river). It is an amazing place and I must say everyone should visit at least once. The view is so amazing that everybody is going to like it. It is even more amazing during winter season.” “I feel amazing here as it feels we are so close to nature and everything is so nature friendly it feels we are so close to nature’s paradise.”
Moreover, Umngot is a prime fishing spot for both Indian and Bangladeshi fishermen.
Tourists often take boat rides to witness Umngot’s beauty up close. The boat rides cost rupees 300 per ride.
“I feel amazing here as it feels we are so close to nature and everything is so nature friendly it feels we are so close to nature’s paradise.” a tourist said.
The River’s beauty is at its peak in winter. Devoid of any pollutants, the river water is absolutely clear.
The place provides the travelers an escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy city life.
A tourist from Guwahati said, “All tourist places in Meghalaya are just so amazing. In Shillong we visited Laitlum and scenery is wonderful, I haven’t seen such a marvellous view and also the Umngot River is so nice. Next we are moving to Dawki border. All the places are very good.”
With more development, the Umngot River in the state of Meghalaya can emerge as one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Southeast Asia. (ANI)
A handloom centre in Manipur’s Ukhrul district has been promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage through their intricate designs and motifs.
Julie Horam, a proprietor of the Y. R. Chon Handloom Weaving-cum Handicraft Centre in Ukhrul district has been promoting the rich legacy of Manipur’s Tangkhul community.
“There are lots of girls, especially from Kachai village, who want to join and learn this weaving technique but there is not enough space or enough facilities here for me that I could provide them. So I have to adjust with these machines for now,” Horam’s said.
Julie, one of few artisans involved in the making rare traditional handloom fabrics of Tangkhul said, “The centre is not just helping to preserve the dying handloom industry; it is also providing the young girls of Manipur with an opportunity to earn their livelihood.”
“At present, 12 young girls are training under her at the centre, weaving different types of garments in vivid colours and intricate designs which reflect their age-old culture and traditions,” she added.
Using modern weaving techniques and a machine called ‘throw shuttle handloom’, which is much bigger than traditional weaving equipment, the centre specializes in traditional fabrics like those used for shawls, waistcoats for men, purses, bags, wraparounds and cushion covers.
Weaver Mahsun asserted, “I would like to pursue my career in handlooms and handicrafts because it will bring me better opportunities in the future as well. I personally recommend to those people who are interested in artistic weaving to come and learn, so that we can build a better and safer society.”
Many weavers and local artisans are being trained in this conventional hand weaving which has proved to be less time consuming than traditional weaving technique. (ANI)
