While we are here in the NE region, lets take a peek into the neighboring state of Assam. This state has a special place in my life as I spent 4 1/2 years of my childhood in this state. I confess I cannot talk about the life there like a pro, but I do have certain distinct recollections of our stay there. But keep in mind that my memories are more than 30 years old.
We used to live in a Cement Corporation Of India colony in a city/village called Bokajan in Assam. This place was so remote that I remember my mom used to go to the nearest city of Dimapur, Nagaland, for all the groceries once a month in a company vehicle. There used to be a weekly farmer's market in the vicinity of our colony which took care of our vegetable needs.
My brother and I used to go to school in Dimapur, Nagaland, which was an experience in itself. I shall write more about our schooling when we visit Nagaland in a few days :).
Most of the native tribes there have looms in their houses and they traditionally weave saris called Mekhla, once in a year for their New Year, Bihu. Bihu, reminds me of their traditional Bihu dance which is a sight one cannot forget!! As a child I clearly remember my brother and I used to crave for the Vegetable Khichdi which used to be served as Prasad in a container fashioned out of a plantain trunk, in the neighboring temple we used to visit.
I also remember my mom telling us that there was never a single sighting of crows in the area. Apparently crow meat is a delicacy and the crows are almost never found there. But we once visited a bird sanctuary in Sibsagar (Shivsagar) where the crows were unusually huge with a wing span of about 3 feet. We were told that those crows were the only ones in the whole of Assam!
My mom recollects that the natives never had fear of robberies in their neighborhood and most of them never locked their homes either. Also each house was separated by vast lands and every house/cottage had a small pond where they cultivated their own fish. They are extremely hard working people and have strong communal bonds.
Their marriages are performed by a very simple assembly of all the people in a community sitting together and the bride and bridegroom picking each other willingly with no restrictions as to the dowries or other financial issues.
Now after writing down my memories, I am tempted to make some Vegetable Khichdi and some Bilahir Tok (Bilahi = Tomato, Tok = Sour) for my lunch today. Apparently this sweet, sour and spicy accompaniment is made on most of the festivals and important occasions. Go ahead and drool over the Bilahir Tok while I plan our next trip to the state of Bihar. See you there tomorrow!!
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Posted by
Harini R
on
Thursday, April 3, 2014
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