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East India has a different entity. Thr east is really a paradox because it has been the cradle of mighty civilization, been the throne of learning and art, has the choicest mineral wealth, is fertile and yet underderdeveloped, poor and reflects a state where goveernment has ceased to function in real terms. But recently, things are changing. The states of West Bengal and Orissa are turing a new leaf. They are trying to come out of the mould of the age old civilization and be proactive. West Bengal has always been known as a seat of learning and Bengalis generally are known for their intellect and ability to seek and find.
Muslin and a variety of bengali handicrafts have always won the western heart. The Rabindra sangeet or music is also enchanting. Bengal comprises the land from Sunderbans where the majestic tiger roams unhindered to the misty mountains of Darjeeeling where the finest tea is grown and brewed for the world. The annual Durga pooja is ten day festival in October for which perhaps each Bengali lives for. Huge statues of Goddess Durga are made, bedecked with jewels and finery, offered prayers for ten days and then floated away in the river Ganga or the sea.
Orissa or the mighty Kalinga of the past lives in the fine temples of Konark and Puri.The un temple at Konark is built like a chariot with wheels.The exquisite craftmanship is really awe inspiring. The Puri Rath Yatra is organised every year when the deities Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord Balabadra( Lord Balaram) and Goddess Subadhra are taken out on separate chariots that are so huge that it needs thousands to pull one. Pulling the chariot is believeed to relenquish you of your sins and so millions visit the festival.
The beaches of Puri and Gopalpur are also famous. There are quite a few Buddhist pilgrrim centres too in and around the capital city of Bhubaneswar. The popular tourist circuit of Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark and Cuttack gives one a glimpse of Orissa. The classical dance form called Odissi is a real pleasing form of dance with smooth and gentle steps.
The far north east of India is a different world altogether. Fondly referred to as the seven sisters, the tiny states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have unique way of life, culture and are set in perhaps, the most beautiful region of India. Populated with indigenous tribes, some of the areas have restricted entry.
Mighty mountains, lush green hills, gurgling streams and the great Brahmaputra river make this part of the world breathtakingly beautiful. Orchids from the area are popular across India. Arunachal Pradesh means the land of the dawn-lit mountains; Assam is a lush valley with green paddy fields, dense forests, tea gardens and the powerful Brahmaputra river flowing through it; Manipur is the jewelled land of waterfalls, lakes and orchids, as are Meghalaya where green lands that touch the clouds, Mizoram and Tripura -, redolent with the myth and the magic of nature and the spirit of their people.
East India is a treasure waiting to be discovered.
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Living Bridges |
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They are one of the most eco friendly bridges in the world. Found in Meghalaya, these bridges were made by the Khasi Hill tribals. The bridges with stand the heavy monsoons and are very sturdy. They are made out of the the hanging roots and creepers of the Indian tree Ficus elastica drawn out of hollowed areca nut trees. There is even a two tier bridge of the kind called the Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge. |
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