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India Today
18 hours ago
- India Today
Meghalaya's living root bridges: Why people around the world are fascinated by them
If you've ever wanted to walk across a bridge that's alive, Meghalaya's living root bridges are exactly that -- living, breathing, natural walkways shaped by the hands of time and tribal living root bridges of Meghalaya have gained widespread popularity due to their unique blend of natural wonder, ancient indigenous knowledge, and ecological harmony, making them a marvel of bioengineering and cultural root bridges are natural bridges created by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya by training the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) to grow across rivers and streams. These roots are carefully guided over years, often 10 to 30 years, using bamboo scaffolding or hollowed-out trunks until they intertwine and strengthen enough to form sturdy, functional bridges capable of supporting the weight of many ARE THEY SO POPULAR? What makes them so popular? For starters, they're the only kind of bridges that get stronger as they age. Some are centuries old and still going strong, with the potential to last up to 500 also a great example of how humans can work with nature instead of against it. These root bridges don't just connect villages, they help hold soil together, prevent erosion, and even support local biodiversity by becoming mini ecosystems in that's not all, they're a symbol of indigenous creativity. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes have passed down this knowledge for generations, showing us a beautiful way to live in sync with single-span walkways to intricate double-decker structures like the one in Nongriat near Cherrapunji, each bridge is a unique course, they're also a tourist magnet. Getting to these bridges often means trekking through lush forests and misty trails, an adventure in itself. And with UNESCO now recognising them as tentative heritage sites, their global profile is only going conventional bridges made from wood, stone, or concrete, living root bridges are dynamic, living structures that grow stronger over roots continue to thicken and intertwine, naturally reinforcing the bridge's strength. Some bridges are believed to be centuries old and can last for up to 500 years under ideal bridges exemplify a sustainable and eco-friendly method of infrastructure that harmonises with nature rather than disrupting it. They help stabilise soil, prevent erosion, and support local biodiversity by providing habitats for various plants, insects, and animals. This ecological balance highlights the deep relationship between the indigenous people and their ARE THEY LOCATED?The bridges are located in Meghalaya's lush, scenic forests, often requiring trekking through beautiful landscapes and local villages, which adds to their most famous living root bridges in Meghalaya are located in the village of Nongriat in the East Khasi Hills district. Nongriat is especially renowned for its iconic Double-Decker Root Bridge, known as Jingkieng are drawn to the challenge and beauty of these living structures, making them a unique and memorable experience. The living root bridges have been recognised as tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites, further boosting their global if you're ever in Meghalaya, don't just visit these bridges, walk on a tradition that's still alive and growing.
India.com
27-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Experience The Magic Of Shillong's Traditional Weddings: A Must-See
Shillong functions as the capital of Indian northeastern state Meghalaya and receives the 'Scotland of the East' nickname because its natural beauty resembles Scottish landscapes with its gentle rolling terrains. Shillong stands out because of its cultural heritage that illuminates wedding ceremonies throughout the town. Traditions and cultural practices of the Khasi and Jaintia and Garo tribes dominate these prominent ceremonies held by the residents of this area. The traditional wedding ceremonies in Shillong transform into an all-encompassing experience which combines music and dance elements together with true rituals and delectable dietary experiences to create something truly exceptional. Matrilineal Society: A Unique Foundation In Shillong traditional weddings take shape from a matrilineal society structure that remains strong among residents of the Khasi tribe. In this social structure, lineage and inheritance pass through the mother's side, making women central figures in family life. The wedding ceremony exhibits significant impacts from this practice as it determines both family agreements about alliance formation and split of responsibilities. Traditional wedding functions in Shillong see the bride's family leading the event organization although both families participate actively. The understanding of traditional family roles deepens our experience of traditional weddings when attending them in this region. Rituals: Building Anticipation The Shillong tradition of marriage starts with various cultural rituals leading to the main wedding festivity. Both families gather for Pynlong Kaba as elder members meet to finalize marriage terms. The gathering represents the critical role of shared respect and shared consensus which drives the community forward. Wedding traditions in Shillong include the exchange of presents as a custom which demonstrates intimate family links between both households. These initial ceremonies build up excitement among family members as they solidify family relationships just before the major celebration starts. Main Ceremony: Vibrant and Meaningful On the actual wedding day guests witness a display of traditional customs which combine vibrant colors with profound emotional tendencies. Traditional Shillong weddings differ from Western traditions because they avoid using church ceremonies together with white gowns in their celebrations. Traditional weddings choose straightforward expressions rather than formal ones while emphasizing genuine heritage representations. and Decorations Traditionally bridal parties choose between Jainsem or Dhara as wedding attire which are handmade with intricate patterns across the garments. The outfits are enhanced through wedding jewelry crafted from gold and silver metals to showcase the artisanal skills of this region. Grooms normally wear dhotis as their main garment along with embroidered shawls and jackets. The celebration space features flowers and bamboo structures along with multi-colored fabrics which generate an atmosphere that matches the happy event. Rituals The central tradition in this wedding ceremony appears when the groom's mother's brother ties the turban as a symbolic gesture during the 'Ka Pnong Tung' ritual. The transfer of both obligations and blessings travels from oldest members to their succeeding generations during this ceremony. The bride receives blessings from both sides of her family when her maternal uncles participate in the ritual which demonstrates the importance of maternal bonds in Khasi customs. Sharing 'Kyat' represents an essential wedding tradition because it involves drinking sacred rice beer brewed from rice. Kyat, which people drink from bamboo cups, symbolizes the positive relationships between different families during the wedding ceremony. Guests conduct this tradition which strengthens their community bonds. and Dance: Celebrating Life Every wedding celebration in Shillong requires both music and dancing performances to be legitimate. The atmosphere becomes celebratory when people play traditional music through drums and flutes. Traditional cultural celebrations can be observed through performances of the Nongkrem Dance together with the Lahoo Dance which showcase local dance energy. This traditional entertainment holds religious value because it establishes powerful connections between wedding guests and their family traditions and ancestors. and Hospitality: A Taste of Meghalaya Cuisine Food holds complete importance during every Shillong wedding ceremony. Multiple traditional dishes prepared by local cooks with great affection form the feast dining options. Traditional Meghalaya cuisine brings together the mouthwatering flavors of Jadoh rice with pork and Doh Khleh salad and Tungrymbai fermented soybean curry. The celebration receives its sweetness through Pukhlein which consists of sweet fried bread. The cultural hospitality extends liberally to all wedding guests in demonstration of traditional community values. Traditions: Strengthening Bonds Following the primary wedding rituals both couples and their distant families remain connected through additional wedding traditions. Following their marriage rites the newlyweds will pay visits to their loved ones for both blessings and to express their joy. Families through these gatherings keep building the union's importance by showing support for the newlyweds to people outside their primary family group. What Makes It Special? A traditional wedding in Shillong develops its distinctiveness through multiple essential factors. All wedding elements in this region showcase its traditional cultural heritage by demonstrating genuine indigenous practices to visitors. Traditional weddings in Shillong bring communities together as members progressively work together in all ceremony stages to build a powerful bond among participants. The weddings operate through a matrilineal system which differs from traditional Indian customs because this system redefines traditional family structures through unique perspectives about gender dynamics. Such marriages often create a beautiful image by using Shillong's natural landscape scenery. Very friendly reception accompanies each visitor to create space where strangers quickly transform into cherished members of the community. Conclusion Traditional Shillong weddings unite two souls but also showcase local heritage while connecting people to longstanding cultural practices. Every stage of a wedding celebration belongs to tradition as proper rituals surround both namtara and post-ceremony activities. Pure observation of these liaisons offers all visitors definitive knowledge regarding how Meghalayans exist and approach the world. The event demonstrates that traditional customs can live alongside contemporary society because they allow preservation of cultural heritage and accommodation of modern developments. Hold any such event dear to your heart because your experience will create an unshakable inner impression.
