Meghalaya – The Abode of Clouds
Introduction
Meghalaya is located in the extreme north eastern part of India and is a very tiny state with around 100km width and 300km length. With the name of the state, it becomes obvious that the state receives huge amounts of rainfall and is known to be one of the wettest places of the world. Meghalaya is full of aesthetic beauty, lovely locations, high peaks and vibrant culture.
Capital
Shillong is the official capital of the state and is also by the name ‘Scotland of the East’. The city has a good road connection to other parts, but the air and rail connections are comparatively weaker. Tourist attractions in the city include Elephant falls, Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Motphran, Shillong golf course, Shillong peak, Entomological Museum and the State Museum.
Culture and Lifestyle
People of the state have taken to weaving and making warfare weapons as their art and skills. They are seen weaving baskets, stools, mats and clothes too. Warfare weapons like knives and guns are made from the extracted iron ores.
Weather
Meghalaya experiences heavy rainfall during the rainy season. While in summers the temperatures shoot to 23 degrees, during winters it comes down to 4 degrees. Mawsynram is regarded as the wettest place in the world, receiving the highest amount of rainfall.
Major crops grown
People in Meghalaya earn their livelihood mainly through agricultural activities. The major crops and fruits grown in the state are maize, rice, pineapple, pears, plums, banana, oranges, jackfruits and peaches.
Costumes and ornaments
Jainsem and Dhara are the popular and traditional costumes here. Meghalaya has got a local tribe called the Jaintias, Khasi and Garo tribe which have a unique sense of clothing famous all over India. Men are seen wearing an unstitched dhoti with a headgear or a turban. On the other hand, women wear Muga silk, a blouse and a lungi similar to men. In ornaments, they put on beautiful necklaces and earrings to complete their look.
Major festivals
Wangala is a popular festival of Meghalaya, which is performed in the honor of God of fertility to mark perfect yield during the harvest. Another festival celebrated to thank God for prosperity and good harvest is Nongkrem Dance. Khasis have an important festival called Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem which is a thanksgiving dance held annually.
Tourist attraction
Meghalaya has got innumerable places to enjoy and Shillong, which is the capital of the state, is famous for tourist attractions. Having places which receive highest rainfall i.e. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, people from all around the globe have made it their favorite picnic spots.
Famous personalities
P.B.M.Basaiawmoit, Arundhati Roy, Agatha Sangma, Tirot Sing, Vincent Pala, Anwaruddin Choudhury and Biraja Sankar Guha are some famous names belonging to the state.
