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Travel | nagaland
Travel | nagaland Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow We gave our today... This was the famous inscription on the War Memorial stone. Then slowly as I proceeded, I found that on each grave there are beautiful epitaphs engraved. Arranged in rows, a distant look gives you an extraordinary view of symmetry in the cemetery with colours sprinkled all over due to flowers blooming in abundance. What is most striking is the quite atmosphere, which compels one to be philosophical and try to find out what lies beyond. I was deep in my thought for those who made supreme sacrifice to protect this country from the invaders – be it during Second World War or during Kargil War. After a quite moments in cemetery, its time for some spiritual exercise and what could be better that the Catholic Cathedral at Aradurah Hill, which is just two to three kilometres away
from the cemetery. It is the largest cathedral in the whole of northeast India. I had hired a vehicle for the day and so reaching this place was not a problem at all. I was there within no time. The quiet and peaceful ambience within the cathedral premises touches the soul. The cathedral has a perfect blend of native and contemporary architectural styles. It was almost 2 pm by the time I came out of the church. I was very hungry and so asked the driver to take me to a place where I would get both local and other types of dishes. I had an extreme urge to taste Naga food, but in case I don’t like it much, I should have an option to gorge on other continental or Chinese stuff. The restaurant boy told me that the main food of the Naga tribe is rice. It is taken with meat or vegetable. I ordered for rice, some vegetable curry and pork
KEW HI MA IN THE LAND OF RHODODENDRON Madhuparna Bhattacharjee rapped in a hand woven Naga shawl, feeling warm and cozy, here I am lying on my bed, reading a novel. It’s pouring cats and dogs. I am in a hill station, which is waiting to be discovered. I am in Kohima. Kohima derives its name from ‘Kew Hi,’ the name of a plant, which grows on mountainside. Kew Hi Ma represents ‘the men of the land where Kew Hi flowers grow.’ Not huge monuments or impressive and state-of-
W 62
April 08
the-art buildings, but what kept my mind glued to the place is the unhurried pace of life, tranquil and serene surroundings and fresh unpolluted air. This town is the capital city of Nagaland. Known worldwide for headhunting once upon a time, Nagas are now sophisticated and stylish. I learnt from few of my friends that ‘headhunting’ for them was the path to become entitled to wear certain status ornaments and getting married. The act boosted a man’s reputa-
tion among the elders. I just prayed that the next day would be bright and sunny as I intended to visit the Kohima War Cemetery at Phoolbari Chowk in the morning. This was constructed in memory of the officers and men who gave their lives during the Second World War. Next morning as I woke up, the day was gloomy. Slowly it got bright and the sun was in its full glory. I reached the War Cemetery and the first thing I noticed: When you go home, April 08
63
Travel | nagaland Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow We gave our today... This was the famous inscription on the War Memorial stone. Then slowly as I proceeded, I found that on each grave there are beautiful epitaphs engraved. Arranged in rows, a distant look gives you an extraordinary view of symmetry in the cemetery with colours sprinkled all over due to flowers blooming in abundance. What is most striking is the quite atmosphere, which compels one to be philosophical and try to find out what lies beyond. I was deep in my thought for those who made supreme sacrifice to protect this country from the invaders – be it during Second World War or during Kargil War. After a quite moments in cemetery, its time for some spiritual exercise and what could be better that the Catholic Cathedral at Aradurah Hill, which is just two to three kilometres away
from the cemetery. It is the largest cathedral in the whole of northeast India. I had hired a vehicle for the day and so reaching this place was not a problem at all. I was there within no time. The quiet and peaceful ambience within the cathedral premises touches the soul. The cathedral has a perfect blend of native and contemporary architectural styles. It was almost 2 pm by the time I came out of the church. I was very hungry and so asked the driver to take me to a place where I would get both local and other types of dishes. I had an extreme urge to taste Naga food, but in case I don’t like it much, I should have an option to gorge on other continental or Chinese stuff. The restaurant boy told me that the main food of the Naga tribe is rice. It is taken with meat or vegetable. I ordered for rice, some vegetable curry and pork
KEW HI MA IN THE LAND OF RHODODENDRON Madhuparna Bhattacharjee rapped in a hand woven Naga shawl, feeling warm and cozy, here I am lying on my bed, reading a novel. It’s pouring cats and dogs. I am in a hill station, which is waiting to be discovered. I am in Kohima. Kohima derives its name from ‘Kew Hi,’ the name of a plant, which grows on mountainside. Kew Hi Ma represents ‘the men of the land where Kew Hi flowers grow.’ Not huge monuments or impressive and state-of-
W 62
April 08
the-art buildings, but what kept my mind glued to the place is the unhurried pace of life, tranquil and serene surroundings and fresh unpolluted air. This town is the capital city of Nagaland. Known worldwide for headhunting once upon a time, Nagas are now sophisticated and stylish. I learnt from few of my friends that ‘headhunting’ for them was the path to become entitled to wear certain status ornaments and getting married. The act boosted a man’s reputa-
tion among the elders. I just prayed that the next day would be bright and sunny as I intended to visit the Kohima War Cemetery at Phoolbari Chowk in the morning. This was constructed in memory of the officers and men who gave their lives during the Second World War. Next morning as I woke up, the day was gloomy. Slowly it got bright and the sun was in its full glory. I reached the War Cemetery and the first thing I noticed: When you go home, April 08
63
