As the North-East beckons

Chandan Sen

Tlawmngaighna is the traditional code of ethics around which the Mizo society revolves. The unpronounceable word means that everyone should be hospitable, kind, unselfish and helpful. The locals proudly say, “Mizoram is our homeland. It has not been given or gotten as a gift. It has not been acquired by privilege or potential contracts. It has not been bought with gold or held by force. No, it has been  made with the sweat of our brow. A historic creation, it is the collective enterprise of people — bodily, spiritual and moral over a span of generations.”

Mizos are said to be a part of the great wave of Mongolian race spilling over into the eastern and southern India centuries ago. They came under the influence of the British missionaries in the ninth century. Most of the Mizos are now Christians. Before the British moved into the hills for all practical purposes, the village and the clan formed units of the Mizo society. 

The hilly terrains of Mizoram are complemented by the meandering streams, deep gorges, besides the local  tribal culture. Aizawl, the state capital, is a quaint mix of the old and the new. On one hand are bustling commercial places like Burra Bazaar while on the other,   houses steeped in history on the zig-zag landscapes and clubbed hills.

Smiling faces are a welcoming sight everywhere. Just like in most parts of the North-East, women play an active role here: from cooking to managing homes. They can be seen selling fish, jewellery, vegetables and fancy items. 

Mizos are passionate about music, sports and biking. The youth loves western music. The  hills and lakes of Mizo-land literally pulsate with the rhythms of sonorous songs of the youth and the chords of guitars.

The Saturday street market is abuzz with activity.  Since 87 per cent of the population is Christian, the place wears a festive look during Christmas. The climate here is pleasant throughout he year. It is generally cool in summer and not very cold in winter. Puan is the garment worn by the locals. The hills are steep and  separated by rivers, which flow either to the north or the south creating deep gorges between the hill ranges. The highest peak Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) is at 2,210 metres above the sea level.

Besides local sightseeing, there is also the attraction of crossing over to Myanmar through the road via Champai (192 km) and the last village Zorawthwar (30 km from Champai) village. Just jump over, there are no major border formalities if you want to visit the Rih Dil lake.

Fact File

How to reach: The Lengpui airport is 32 km from Aizawl. Helicopter facility is also available. Inner Line Pass is required for entry into Mizoram. Tourists arriving by air can obtain passes from the security officer on arrival at Lengpui airport. 

What to buy: Shop for local handicraft items made of bamboo and local traditional dresses. mementos and gifts. Shopping for warm clothes here is not advisable.

What to see: Visit Durtlang Hills, Reikek tourist resort, state museum, picturesque Vantawang Falls, Muifang Tiang forest, Solomon temple, Falkawn village, Dampa tiger reserve and the commercial hub Saiha.

Where to stay: There are many small and medium hotels that can suit all budgets. Beef and pork are served locally.