Emotional bond one has for the birth place is not novel for an individual, this is a swift emotion dwelling inside an individual, and I am no exception to it. The thing that is peculiar about my birth place is its charm, its absolute serenity, its beauty, its people, actually everything about it!
I bet anyone who visits this place is bound to fall in love with it. Yes! I am talking about ‘The Scotland of East’, Shillong.
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya (The Abode of Clouds), it is a hidden gem located in the North-Eastern part of our country, where you can see the clouds throughout the year. It is one of the most picturesque hill stations in India and allures visitors for a peaceful vacation. If you want to visit the second wettest place on Earth or you want to see the cleanest village of Asia you have to travel via Shillong, and I assure you the journey is going to be breath-taking, every bit of the place would catch your attention.
You witness the surreal scenic splendor, you will definitely love the weather here, the freshness in the air is wondrous. You will find ample of food options, different cuisines from every part of the world are available here. I relish the Chinese food here, and miss it whenever I am away from home.
Moreover, the festivals that are celebrated here besides Holi, Diwali, Bihu, Christmas are ‘The India International Cherry Blossom Festival’, while the flowers bloom in the spring season, in Northeast India the colours arrive a tad earlier, in November. ‘Wangala Festival’ is one of the most important festivals held in honour of Saljong, the Sun- God of fertility. There are many such occasions when one can witness the beautiful dances performed by the locals, who adorn themselves in colourful costumes and feathered headgears. The dresses worn by the locals during festivals are a radiant sight to behold.
One can enjoy many more things here, but what attracts me the most is the patriarch society of the North East, the male members happily stay back and manage household chores whereas the females go to work, it is completely the discretion of the male members if they want to manage things at home or go out and work. There is no pressure on them. We can actually experience equality between males and females in its true sense.
From beautiful lush green mountains to aromatic valley of flowers, from my native lane to the dashing streets of rush hours, I have endless reminiscence to be shared about my native land that I will cherish my entire life.
So, by now you know why my birthplace is my favourite, and I am sure your birthplace is yours too!
“What else do you need, when you have the purest of air, a peaceful mind, nature everywhere”.
~ Quote by Nikhila Yerrabadi
~ Panchali Deb
