High on a hilltop facing the plateau of Shillong is an odd geological formation – a crater the size of a tennis court surrounded by neat fields of carrots, cauliflower, cabbage and kohlrabi (ganth gobi). This is where Khasis believe the monstrous tree Diengiei stood. It’s fascinating how trees occupy a vital space in major … More The legend of the monster tree
I can’t explain why I was determined to see the double-decker living root bridge in Sohra*, possibly the only one of its kind in the world. After all, my cousins had already taken me to see a living root bridge near Riwai village adjoining the tourist hotspot of Mawlynnong, marketed as Asia’s cleanest village. That … More A double-decker root bridge and life’s lessons
Khasis have a rich repertoire of myths and legends of which I know next to nothing. This ignorance is entirely my loss. However, there is one name I’m acquainted with – that of the ‘Thlen.’ I first heard this word from my mei-ieit (maternal grandmother in Khasi). If I remember correctly, mei-ieit didn’t like talking about … More The Thlen: The Voldemort of the Khasi belief system
I couldn’t take a photograph of the scene before me. After all, moonlight is an elusive creature — not easily captured. This was just as well because it meant I could give the beauty of the night my undivided attention. We had just emerged from a cluster of pine trees that stood sentinel-like behind us as … More At ground Ziro
Yes I’ve been meaning to update this blog for a while. My cousin’s been asking about it… and today my brother nagged me that I haven’t updated it in a while. He’s like, ‘you are on holiday… you should have the time.’ But I don’t… Here’s why: When I was at Ziro for the music … More Excuses, excuses
Colleen Braganza 