February 2020 – North East Diary

Dishes of Meghalaya

Food Habit

Nakham Bitchi

It is a unique dish from the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. This dish is made from dry fish with vegetables. Make it with boiling vegetables and fish. Do not add water in it. It is really nutritious and delicious. Now you know the beauty secret of Garo maidens. It is a must-try, and an easy-to-prepare dish.

2. Dohkhlieh

It is a Pork Salad! Nothing can be more awesome to eat which is so easy to make. Yes, this dish of the Khasis is that simple. Just boil the pork pieces in a pot or pressure cooker and once it is fluffy, drain the water or keep the stock for some other tangy recipe. So just mix the pork with lots of Onions, Chillies, Spices and Salt, and you have Dohkhlieh ready to enlighten your plate.

3.Rice Beer

One of the most authentic drinks of our land. It is a must in Meghalaya weddings and celebrations. It is not easy. Grind dry brown rice, boil it then dry. Add herbs and mould it into small balls. Keep it in a large vessel. Cover it and let it ferment for four days. After that sieve the spherule and your drink is ready. Cheers!

Assamese Recipie

1. Masor tenga – A light and sour fish dish made with yellow mustard, Kazi nimbu ( large lemons peculiar to the regions of Assam), ginger, tomatoes. A cool preparation consumed during the harsh summer afternoon. The fish used here is a fresh catch Chonak and it’s absolutely scrumptious with a riot of flavours.

2. Pork with Elephant Apple – It’s a light sour in taste as the sour fruit brings out the subtle sour taste in this dish.

3. SilkWorm – Most people outside northeast may find this dish weird but its truly a delicious one.

Trip to Meghalaya

Meghalaya is one of the north eastern states of India. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Surrounded by the Indian state Assam, and the neighbouring country Bangladesh, it houses the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills. Pertaining to the structure of the hills and the climate of the region, clouds get trapped in Meghalaya and a lot of rainfall happens almost all through the year in certain areas. Thus the name “Meghalaya” which means “The abode of clouds” in Sanskrit. But there is so much more to Meghalaya than the clouds. Beautiful, dense and green meadows and forests, massive waterfalls, vast rivers and lakes with crystal clear water, mysterious caves, living root bridges and small beautiful villages that have well preserved their traditions and cultures, are a few to count on. In short, it’s like a hidden gem for those who love nature and it’s wonders.

Places to visit –

1.Umiam Lake

2.Elephant Falls

3.Mawsmai Cave

4.Seven Sister waterfalls

5.Living Root Bridge

6. Mawlynnong Village-Asia’s cleanest village

Trip to Assam

Assam is a land of river, hills,forest etc..It is famous for its vast culture,tribe. It is situated on the bank of river Brahmaputta.Assam Economy is based on its wildlife heritage for one horned rihino which is find in Kaziranga national park.It is also known for assam tea and assam silk.Assam is a business hub of crude oil of Asia.Bihu dance is the main folk dance of assam.Tamul pan, Xorai, Jappi, Gamusa are the main symbolic elements in Assamese culture.They are used to represent identity, pride, feelings, beliefs etc.

Place to visit Assam

1.Kaziranga national park

2.Manas national park

3.Pobitora wildlife sanctuary

4.Kamakhya temple

5.Beautiful tea garden

6.Sivasagar( hub of turisim)

7.Majuli(world’s smallest river iceland) etc.

video