Meghalaya
–one of the seven sisters states of
northeast India was formed on 21st
of January 1972. The word
Meghalaya comes from Sanskrit which
means “abode of cloud”, and this name truly justifies and signifies this beautiful state
with Cherapunji and Mawsynram being the wettest place on earth. Its capital
city Shillong also know as “Scottland of East” is epitome of scenic and
aesthetic beauty that nature has endowed. Its alluring hills , intriguing
caves, humongous variety of flora , various tribes and their rich cultures ,
dresses and traditions demarcates this place making it very unique in itself.
Khasi,
Jaintia(also called pnar) and Garo are
the three major tribes and the same being the three major language spoken in Meghalaya.
Hindi ,Bengoli, Nepali and English are also well spoken here with English being
the official language. About 70% of Meghalaya is covered in forest and has an
estimated 500 natural limestone and sandstone Caves , the longest and deepest
being-"Krem Liat prah" and "Synrang Pamiang" respectively. Meghalaya has vast
floral and faunal diversity being the home for insect eating pitcher plant, the
great Indian Hornbill, etc. It also inhabits large variety of Orchids. Coal and
Limestone are abundant in Meghalaya. It has very high annual rainfall and
climate here is quite cold with maximum temperature rarely going beyond 28
deg.
One
of the most unique Culture followed in Meghalaya is that of matrilineal system
where lineage and inheritance are traced through woman.The youngest daughter
inherits all the property and responsibilities for the family. The locals here celebrates
umpteen festivals -behdienkhlam, laho dance, Nongkhrem, Christmas, Diwali and
dussehra to name a few. Every tribe has numerous folk music, folk dance, their
own tribal dress. About 70% of population practices Christianity. People here
love to play football, basketball, cricket but one unique sport is archery and
it’s a very unique archery. Of all this, Meghalya’s beauty and soothing climate
makes it a must visit place.
To discover more about meghalaya visit: http://megtourism.gov.in/
