Meghalaya in Northeast India, is known for its scenic beauty and lush green hills. The state is bordered by Assam to the north and east, Bangladesh to the south and southwest, and Tripura to the southeast.
The name ‘Meghalaya’ translates to ‘abode of clouds’ in Sanskrit. It is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse mix of tribes, each with their own unique traditions, customs, and languages. The state is also famous for its living root bridges, waterfalls, and natural wonders, which attract tourists from all over the world.
Meghalaya is a fascinating destination for travelers seeking an offbeat, adventurous experience, with plenty of opportunities for trekking, caving, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Here are five interesting points about Meghalaya:
Living Root Bridges
Meghalaya is home to some of the most remarkable natural wonders in the world, known as the living root bridges. The living root bridges of Meghalaya are a unique example of sustainable engineering and traditional ecological knowledge. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya have been creating these bridges for centuries as a way to cross the many rivers and streams in the region. These bridges are made entirely of living tree roots, which are trained to grow across rivers and streams. They can last for hundreds of years and are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes who have been creating them for generations.
Matrilineal society of Meghalaya
One of the most fascinating aspects of Meghalaya is its matrilineal society. The Northeast state is home to several indigenous communities that have traditionally followed a matrilineal system of society. In these communities, family lineage is traced through the mother, and women have a central role in the family and community. Unlike most other parts of India, where the family lineage is traced through the male side, in Meghalaya, the family lineage is traced through the female side. Women have a prominent role in society, and property and inheritance are passed down from mother to daughter. In fact, Meghalaya has one of the highest rates of women’s participation in the workforce in India, and women are represented in all fields, including politics, business, and education. This is a testament to the strength and resilience of the matrilineal system and the important role that women play in the development and progress of the region.
Music and festivals
Meghalaya is known for its vibrant music scene and festivals. It is famous for its traditional festivals, such as the Nongkrem Dance Festival, which celebrates the harvest season and the goddess Ka Blei Synshar. Other popular festivals in Meghalaya include the Wangala Festival and the Behdienkhlam Festival. These festivals are a great way to experience the unique traditions and customs of Meghalaya, and they offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Besides these traditional festivals, Meghalaya’s love for music is well documented. Shillong is often referred to as the ‘Rock capital of India’. For decades, Shillong has been the epicenter of the Indian rock music scene, producing some of the most iconic bands and musicians in the country.
Mawlynnong village
Mawlynnong is a small village in Meghalaya that has gained international recognition for its cleanliness and eco-friendly practices. In 2003, Mawlynnong was declared the “cleanest village in Asia” by the Discover India magazine, and since then, it has become a popular tourist destination for people who want to experience sustainable living and eco-tourism.
The village is known for its well-maintained streets, clean and hygienic surroundings, and eco-friendly practices such as composting and waste segregation. The residents of Mawlynnong are deeply committed to preserving the natural beauty of their surroundings, and they work hard to maintain a clean and healthy environment for themselves and their visitors.
Sohra
Sohra is a town in Meghalaya that is known as one of the wettest places on earth. It receives among the highest amount of rainfall in India and is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls and natural wonders, such as the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Sohra receives an average of over 11,000 mm of rainfall annually, which makes it one of the wettest places on earth. The heavy rainfall has led to the formation of stunning natural wonders such as the Nohkalikai Falls, and the Seven Sisters Falls, which is a group of seven cascading waterfalls. In addition to its waterfalls, Sohra is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, including rolling hills, verdant forests, and picturesque valleys. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region by taking a trek through the lush forests, visiting the local villages and markets, or simply taking in the stunning views from one of the many viewpoints in the area. Sohra is also home to several unique natural phenomena, such as the Living Root Bridges and the Mawsmai Caves, which are limestone caves that offer a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the region.
