"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Nagaland

Wanderlust

Flight of Majesty: Doyang Lake's Spectacular Migratory Haven!

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Nagaland lies a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts and photographers alike – Doyang Lake. This expansive water body is formed by the Doyang River near the Doyang dam region. During winter months, the place transforms into a haven for migratory birds with the magnificent Amur Falcon taking center stage in this avian spectacle. The Amur Falcon, a stunning raptor, embarks on an extraordinary journey from Mongolia, China, and Siberia, traversing thousands of kilometers to seek respite in Nagaland before continuing its arduous flight across the Indian Ocean towards East Africa. In awe-inspiring flocks numbering thousands, these birds find sanctuary at Doyang Lake, their chosen pit stop during this incredible migratory odyssey. Just a few years ago, Doyang Lake served not only as a roosting ground but also a hunting ground for these majestic falcons. However, following a governmental ban on the hunting of these winged travelers, a significant transformation has occurred. Doyang Lake is now turned into a sanctuary and has evolved into an exclusive hub for bird watching and eco-tourism. Pangti village, lending its name to one of the three falcons, has emerged as a staunch advocate for the preservation of these long-distance travelers. The community has played a pivotal role in the conservation efforts, shifting from hunting to safeguarding these magnificent birds. As Doyang Lake evolves into an eco-tourism destination, it beckons bird watchers to witness the annual spectacle of millions of Amur Falcons gracing its shores, providing a rare and captivating glimpse into the remarkable journey of these incredible avian nomads.

23 Nov 2023
Wanderlust

Unleash Your Adventurous Side in Mokokchung: The Ultimate Destination for Nature and Culture Enthusiasts

Mokokchung, a district in the state of Nagaland in Northeast India, is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. With its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Mokokchung offers a unique and immersive travel experience for visitors. One of the main attractions in Mokokchung is its vibrant culture, which is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ao Naga tribe. Visitors can witness traditional dances, music, and crafts, as well as sample the delicious local cuisine. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the popular Moatsu Festival, which celebrates the start of the agricultural season. Nature enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in Mokokchung, with its verdant hills, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages. The district is home to several trekking trails, including the famous Dzukou Valley trek, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. For those interested in history and heritage, Mokokchung boasts a number of ancient monuments and landmarks, such as the Longkhum Village, which features a centuries-old stone monolith. Visitors can also explore the district's many museums and cultural centers, which offer a glimpse into Nagaland's rich and diverse cultural heritage. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Mokokchung is quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic travel experience in Northeast India.

4 Apr 2023
Wanderlust

Positive Reads

How This Fascinating Village Made a Turnaround To Become the First Green Village in Asia

Surrounded by lush green mountains and picturesque landscape, Khonoma, a sleepy village in Nagaland is recognized as ‘Asia’s first green village’. The village was once popular for wildlife hunting. Read on to know how this village became Asia’s first green village. Khonoma was widely known for the occupation of hunting which was once considered sacred. For this centuries-old village, hunting had become a way of life.  Once, during a hunting competition held in the 1990s, around 300 Blyth’s tragopan were killed in just one week. Blyth’s tragopan are birds that are vulnerable species.  However, the hunters were not ready to follow their elders' advice. The community elders made them understand that continued hunting would prevent the next generation from seeing the gorgeous creatures and their beauty. The village council even summoned specialists from several conservation organizations in India to address them and inform the locals. After around 5 years of discussion, Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) was established in 1998, and the village council set aside 20 sq km as the KNCTS.  This Naga village is now renowned for conquering ecological difficulties and triumphing. Now, people whose survival depended on hunting as well as others who did it as a holy cultural ritual have quit hunting and switched to farming.

3 Dec 2022
Positive Reads

Good News

A Couple Whose House Was Destroyed by Fire Was Surprised to See Villagers Build a New House for Them in a Day

Nokhat Konyak and his wife Hailem are both farm labourers in Zangkham village in Nagaland. Once, they had left early morning for their work and on their return were devastated to see their house totally engulfed in flames. At once, they felt as if it was the end of their small world. However, what followed was something that we can hardly imagine, but at the same time is very heartwarming. The Konyal community in the village took the matter into their own hands and started rebuilding the helpless couple’s house. The couple had lost everything in the fire. The cause of the fire which took place around 7 am couldn’t be ascertained, but it is presumed that the couple might have forgotten to put off the flame of the firewood after cooking. The couple was relieved and touched to see the villagers join hands and work in unison to ensure that they complete building the house before sunset. If that was not enough, the villagers, taking note of the fact that the couple had lost everything and all their means of survival were destroyed, provided them with utensils, food, clothes, bed, blankets and other useful articles. Later, the couple was provided financial assistance from the emergency relief fund by the government authorities. This act of brotherhood by the villagers is truly commendable as they skipped a whole day’s work and put in all their time and efforts to build a shelter for a brother who lost everything to a devastating fire. This story is a testimony to all the goodness that human beings possess and are capable of sharing.

7 Oct 2019
Good News

Women in Nagaland Have Come Up With a Brilliant Plan to Combat the Adverse Effects of Climate Change

Nagaland’s topography is conducive to terrace farming and that’s the main occupation of the people of Chizami village in Phek district. Unfortunately, the terraces are going dry due to the unfavorable impacts of climate change. The unpredictable rainfall patterns have led to a drastic change in farming. Problems Encountered In Farming Erratic climate changes and pest attacks were some of the problems encountered in farming. Men are more keen to grow cash crops(crops grown for commercial purposes like coffee and cardamom) that enable them to sell their produce and earn money, but food crops are also very essential and women of the village work hard on the farms to grow millets and vegetables. As the rainfall became irregular and scarce, the women came up with a novel idea of a seed bank that will ensure sustainability even if whole crops fail. The Seed Bank With the help of North East Network (NEN), a non profit organization that promotes women’s rights,  the women of Chizami have started a seed bank which contains 226 varieties of seeds with 35 types of paddy and seven types of foxtail millet stored in neatly arranged bamboo hollows and dried gourd shells. Farmers who borrow seeds from the seed bank will have to return double the quantity of seeds taken in the next year. A log book of all lendings and borrowings is maintained by members of the village women’s society. While men prefer to labor at construction sites rather than work in farms, women are controlling food crops and feeding their families. Moving away from a patriarchal society, women are now taking decisions on the field and have a say in their family and society, which is a welcome change.

30 Sep 2019
Good News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Greets People Of Nagaland

Nagaland became the 16th State of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963, and is all set to celebrate it's 54th Statehood Day and the 18th Hornbill festival 2017 today at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.  Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is held in the first week of December every year. It unites all the Naga tribes who showcase their culture, food and art to the people. Special rock concerts are organized every evening. Chilly eating competition and night markets are the crucial attractions for the locals and tourists. President Ram Nath Kovind will grace the occasion by inaugurating the 10 day State Hornbill festival 2017. Yesterday, on his arrival at Kohima, he was accorded the Guard of Honour by the Assam Rifles. He was invited to Raj Bhavan at Kohima by Chief Minister T R Zeliang and his Cabinet colleagues.  The route that takes to Kisama which is 12 km away from The Capital City was all decorated to give a festive feeling to all present there for the special occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greets people of Nagaland on their statehood day. In a tweet, he said,  "On the occasion of their Statehood Day, I convey my greetings to the people of Nagaland. This state is blessed with immense natural beauty and industrious citizens."  He also added, "I pray that the state scales new heights of development in the times to come." So today Naga Heritage Village, Kisama is all set to celebrate and enjoy the Hornbill Festival.

1 Dec 2017
Good News

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