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Tuesday, September 26, 2017

ZIRO FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

Founded in 2012 by Bobby Hano and guitarist Anup kutty, the Ziro Festival is an incredible occasion of music festivities in Indian North-Eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh. Spanning over 4 days, the festival is hosted by the Apatani tribe of the Ziro valley, one of the most picturesque locations in the state. Situated at the height of 5,754 feet above sea level, the valley is an amazing venue for this fabulous gala, surrounded by beautiful misty mountains. Exhibiting an amazing independent music scene in India, the Ziro Festival is a phenomenal and exciting event to attend. 
HISTORY
The Ziro valley is home to Apatani tribe, one of the most friendly and hospitable people who, essentially, are agrarian in nature. The love of North-East Indian people and the people of Apatani tribe, in particular, for music is well-known. To give an expression to this natural inclination towards music and vent to their desire to have an organized event for the same, Ziro Festival was born in 2012 through the efforts of Bobby Hano and guitarist, Anup Kutty. Ever since its inception, the festival has drawn huge crowds from all across the country and abroad to listen, to the amazing artists and their unique expressions and renditions. In 2016, the festival will be running in its fifth year and is already much eagerly awaited.      
CELEBRATIONS
The Ziro Festival is widely known to be the one of the greatest outdoor festivals in India. Celebrated with much fervor and energy, it is also a wonderful opportunity to showcase the musical talent of the amazing artists of North East India besides promoting tourism in the state. The popularity of the festival is spread far and wide. Many bands of national and international repute such as Steve Shelley, Lee Ranaldo, Indus Creed, Peter Cat Recording Company, Barmer Boys, Menwhopause, Louw Majaw, Sha’air and Func, Guru Rewben Mashangwa etc. have participated in the festival. For four consecutive days, visitors are treated to some exciting and impressive tunes. Moreover, there are facilities of camp accommodation nearby the venue so that music lovers are never too far from their favorite artists and sessions. Full of fun and gala time, The Ziro Festival leaves you with cherishing memories and give you many more reasons to come back again with redoubled energy.
ZIRO FESTIVAL 2017
Ziro festival of music is celebrated for 4 days w.e.f. 28/09/2017 to 01/10/2017 at Pechi Putu, Biirw, Lower Subansiri District, the festival will delight the heart of music lovers. Tickets Available at www.zirofestival.com
This year India’s greatest outdoor music festival-the ZIRO FESTIVAL OF MUSIC is knocking round the corner….few random shot of photograph for preparation of Ziro Festival of Music.




















HOW TO REACH:
By Air
Tezpur in Assam is the nearest airport. However, flights get usually cancelled without a reason and thus, it’s an unreliable option. The better option is the Guwahati airport, which is connected by frequent flights to all major Indian cities.
By Rail
The nearest railway station for accessing Ziro Festival is Naharlagun and North Lakhimpur in Assam. The station can be reached by catching Arunachal Express from New Bongaigaon. This is located around 180 kilometers North-West of Guwahati.
By Road
Ziro Valley can be reached through direct buses which are available from Guwahati, Itanagar and North Lakhimpur


Tuesday, August 15, 2017

LARGEST INTER STATE BUS TERMINAL (ISBT) WITHIN NORTH EAST

The first Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) of Arunachal Pradesh was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on 12th Augusty’2017  located at Lekhi village, Naharlagun. It is touted to be the largest ISBT in whole NE region and is spread in an area of 86460 square feet. Constructed by Urban Development (UD) department, the project costs of Rs 3259.42 Lakh.

       Following the inauguration, the UD & Housing Department formally handed over the ISBT to the Transport Department. Dedicating the ISBT to the people of the state, Chief Minister Pema said that it would immensely benefit the people by reducing traffic congestion considerably in Itanagar and Naharlagun and instructed the Chief Secretary to strictly issue directives through the deputy commissioners concerned to all the bus services to park their vehicles in the ISBT only.

ISBT at Lekhi Village Naharlagun
In a first of its kind, the ISBT have provided facilities like enclosed areas for breast feeding mothers and special rooms for differently-abled people. Besides this, the two floors of the terminal building offer a range of services and public utilities, which include ATM Booths, Restaurants, Food Court, Kiosks, Tourism Office, Dormitory, Enquiry and Phone Booths, Toilets, etc. It also houses an over-head water tank with 1,00,000 liters capacity; its own electrical substation, transformer, high mast and street lights, besides a pump house.

        With 38 well laid out bus bays, passengers can also choose from the separate ticket counters for private and government buses, and make advance bookings as well. There are also counters for sumos and taxis for arriving passengers. 
There are separate lane and parking space for intracity and intercity and inter district vehicles. The ISBT also provides tourist lodge and tourism information centre, for this the department had constructed 5 rooms fitted with modern facilities which will function as tourist lodge. The ISBT will also have a police post.

 Further, the department have kept sufficient land for future expansion and green space has been developed in order to beautify the ISBT. The majestic looking ISBT is a pride for the development starved people of Arunachal Pradesh and hopefully transport department will properly maintain it in years to come.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH CIVIL SECRETARIAT BECOME FIRST IN THE COUNTRY TO ENABLE Wi-Fi

The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Secretariat became the first Secretariat in the country to be entirely under wireless coverage with the launch of Wi-Fi Local Area Network (LAN) on 19th July’2017. With this, the ‘power center’ of the state government has become wireless and in the process achieved the distinction of becoming the first Secretariat in the country to be entirely under wireless coverage, enabling end-to-end wireless connectivity in all its four blocks.

Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh congratulated the officials of State Information Technology and National Informatics Center (NIC) for the milestone in record time of two weeks (besides the four months in planning and designing) and expressed confidence that the set-up would overhaul work culture in the civil secretariat.“With the civil secretariat going wireless I foresee seamless and smooth communications between ministries and departments and accelerated work delivery to the people,” Pema remarked. He said this was a positive step towards fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a ‘Digital India’ and is a big contribution from Arunachal Pradesh by becoming the first to have a secretariat with this digitalized facility. Reiterating his commitment to provide Wi-Fi facilities to citizens too, Pema said that soon the state Capital Complex (Itanagar-Naharlagun) will have specific Wi-Fi zones where citizens will get free access. He advised the IT department to coordinate with departments like Power, Home, etc to select specific zones in and around the capital that can be turned to free Wi-Fi zones.
However, the Chief Minister cautioned against misuse of free access to Wi-Fi internet and asked the NIC to put in place a mechanism for secured connectivity and misuse of data on offer. He also suggested sensitizing all officers and officials of the secretariat on the latest facility and its advantages, besides informing visitors the process of accessing free Wi-Fi while in the secretariat premises and ensure about the paperless offices  for transparency and accountability.
Conceived in December 2016, the wireless LAN project comprises state-of-the-art 5th generation CISCO wireless access points with 1 Gbps bandwidth in each of the four blocks powered by 10 Gbps NIC backbone link. The secured network can offer connections to up to 6000 employees, while 500 visitors can access it at one go. While officials can get access through their official (NIC) email ids, visitors have to access through the SWAGAT mode that generates an OTP for login in. The 157 access points installed across the secretariat premises would allow round the clock Wi-Fi access to officials and eight hours per day to visitors.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

HIDDEN TECHNOLOGY IN TRADITIONAL METHODS OF AGRICULTURE IN ZIRO


Ziro, a paradise land situated at altitude of 2573 meters from mean sea level is encircled with lofty hills covered by infinite green forest enriched with variant species of flora and fauna including several rare species like pine tree (Pinus Patanis), Bamboo (Pleioblastus Simonii), etc. Nature has gifted a wonderful ecology to Ziro Valley by providing a heavenly natural condition for the people and it’s surrounding. In coherent with favorable ecology, the inhabitants of this valley are quite intelligent to maintain its balance and to perpetuate its beauty through traditional arrangement. They are popularly known as most eco-friendly tribes of the world. The traditional management, which they have been practicing from time immemorial are simple in observation but involves high technology indeed.
          The inhabitants of this tranquil valley who are primitive, medium stature and typical mongoloid having prominent tattoos, ornamented with nose plug by women and red dyed cane tail by men are called Apatani. The main occupation of these people is agriculture. The traditional methods of agriculture management of these people are very popular. They have developed many incredible agriculture methods; in synchronize with the latest scientific technology so called the sustainable agriculture. Even some of the technique use, which has been developed by these people are not yet found in modern technology. Few examples of the agriculture methods traditionally developed by the Apatanis are discussed below:
LAND USE MANAGMENT
The kitchen garden (Local name ‘Balu’) is present in almost every household. It is located at the backside or at the adjoining side of the dwelling house. The selections of crops for planting in kitchen garden are done in such a way that it meets the immediate requirement for the household. The common crops are chilly, ginger, cucumber, beans, maize, mustard, cabbage, cauliflower, coriander, pumpkin, colocasia, potato etc. The kitchen garden represents a perfect mixed cropping with less in number of same crop but containing variety in species.
          The upland areas a bit away from dwelling house, ranging 200 m to 1000 m are used for distant garden (known as ‘Yorlu’). It is properly enclosed with fence using bamboo tip or sometimes with China rose (Hibiscus roseasinensis). Selection of crop is made same as that of Kitchen garden but grown in larger area. Fruits bearing trees like Apple, Pear, Plum etc. are also planted along the fence or planned randomly in the garden. Primarily the produce of distant garden(Yorlu) is for domestic, but is made commercially available, if surplus arises.
          The upland area having same distance with distant garden (Yorlu) or a little far away is used as open garden (Lyapio). It is no bounded by fence. However, it is properly demarcated with furrows from individual’s plot to plot. It is generally planted with finger millet, but potatoes are also planted occasionally.
          Bamboo grove (Biije) is located at the adjoining site of kitchen garden or may be located at a distance of 2 to 3 km from the house. It is managed by an individual. Certain types of shrubs and trees are also grown along with the bamboo. Bamboo is preserved as much as possible, so as to use it for construction of traditional house as well as use in the emergency situation.
          After bamboo groves, it is followed by trees and shrub forest (Sansung). It is generally used for collecting firewood. It is managed by an individual. Some useful trees and shrubs are grown in this forest like pine tree etc. and regular a forestation with useful trees and shrubs are done by removing the unwanted plants. This forest is very useful as an alternative source of firewood to bamboo.
          The land after trees and shrubs forest is followed by deep forest (Morey). It is jointly managed by a sub-clan or a clan or by the whole village. The area is kept open for rearing mithun and is also used for hunting wild animals. There is no restriction for cutting firewood except for certain valuable trees and shrubs and growing different varieties of canes.
          It is seen from the above pattern that systematic arrangement has been made for using available land and there is not a single piece of land, which is found unused and barren. This pattern refers to the three-tier system of agro-forestry management in which lowest level of land has to be planted with agronomical crops, middle level with horticulture crops and on top level with forestry plants. This pattern of agro-forestry management helps in controlling the soil erosion and in maintaining the ecological balance.
IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT:
          A splendid work done by the ancient Apatanis is in developing the permanent irrigation system. The most interesting features of irrigation system is that the water from different sources like small stream, rivulets, rills etc. are collected into a common point and released through a single outlet which is scientifically termed as geohydrological unit or the catchments area and this management process is called water use efficiency. The main irrigation channel (Silling), which is connected from the sources, runs along the top most area of the terrace-wet-paddy field, preferably, in the area just at the foothill of distance garden or bamboo groves. The other secondary channels are connected from main channel and run downward. The irrigation system is designed in such a manner that all the paddy fields are supplied with plenty of water through the field ditches. If one area is not sufficient to receive water from one direction, then it is supplied from another direction. The paddy fields are arranged slightly in terraced form with lowering down pattern, so that all the fields get water from one source or the other. To develop such an irrigation system it requires intense survey and systematic study of the area.
It is observed from the above discussion that the forefather of Apatanis were very hard working and highly technical oriented people, on account of which they have successfully developed the indigenous-permanent irrigation system.
MANURE AND FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT
          From time immemorial the Apatanis have been using, the piggery and poultry excreta, firewood ash and paddy straw, which is burned down in situ etc. in the agriculture field to increase the yield of crops. Perhaps only few tribes in the world must have been using these materials for the same purpose without having knowledge of the advanced technology. Scientifically, these materials are called organic manures. The piggery and poultry excreta contains high amount of Nitrogen, which helps to increase the number of leaves, tillering and luxuriant growth of vegetables parts of the pants. It is advisable to apply more in leafy vegetable garden. Firewood ash and straw ash contain high amount of phosphate and potash- of which phosphorous helps to improve the reproductive parts of the plants such as fruits and seeds and potassium helps to improve the defensive mechanism of the plants. In general organic manures improve soil texture, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity and fertility of the soil.
NON-TILLAGING OF PADDY FIELD:
          It is one of the most unique methods of paddy cultivation. The paddy seedlings are transplanted without ploughing the main field, while stubbles of previous crops are still there, besides the yield is also not affected. It is not a rationing crop. The main reason behind the successful cultivation of this method may be because of proper management of water, weeds and sufficient gap between crops to crop. However, it is the most distinct method of paddy cultivation ever know.
PADDY-CUM-FISH CULTURE:
          It is the most interesting method practiced by the Apatanis. The success behind the adoption of this method is the efficient water management by these people. In early periods, the standing water in paddy field was used for culturing the aqua fauna like small fishes, nymphs or dragonfly, tadpoles, frogs etc. These were harvested at the time of weeding and finally at the last drainage at about 25-30 days before harvesting of the paddy. But, this method has been improved by introducing the village level fish pond by the government in early 1960s, from which the fingerlings are transferred annually to the main paddy field. Culturing fish especially common-carp along with the paddy, acts as a promising bio-agent for controlling certain aquatic weeds.
TOP CUTTING OF SEEDLINGS
          Top cutting of paddy seedlings are done when the seedlings is beyond the transplanting stage and is to be transplanted after two or three days. But this method is compulsory for millet. Apatanis have been practicing this technique for a long period of time, unknown about the usefulness of the technique. In scientific point of view, it helps to decrease the transpiration rate of the plant by reducing the exposed leaf area, delay in wilting and reduce the diseases, insect and pest infestations by letting off the affected part which is generally found of the leaf tip.
TOBACCO PLANTING IN THE BORDER OF CHILLY BED:
          Tabacco is planted in the border of chilly bed. This method is being practiced since ancient periods. They found that if tobacco is planted along with chilly on its bed, the chilly plant dies less. The scientific reason behind this relation is that the chilly is susceptible to infestation of chilly trips (Scritotrips Dorsalis). The trips suck the sap from tender region and cause the leaf to shrivel, shoot hardly develops, and leaves fall off. The same trips are more attracted to the tobacco plants when it is planted along with the chilly plants. This way it helps to avert the sever infestation of trips in chilly. This method is called trap cropping.
          There are many things yet to be learned from their indigenous traditional techniques, which in turn may help us to solve various agriculture problems in eco-friendly manner. However, these indigenous techniques require proper exploration and exposure, so that these techniques would fuse with modern technology to develop and improved method. This improved method can be achieved by joint efforts of scientific personnel and the local people.

          The ancestors of Apatanis had developed sufficient agriculture techniques at their utmost capacity. They gave their best effort to provide maximum socio-economy security to their offspring and to open a series of avenues for future generation and thus, they had achieved it. Now, the card turns on the hand of present generation about how they utilize the inherited indigenous techniques in acclimating with the latest trend for their next generation.

Monday, July 31, 2017

PRIDE OF ASSAM- KAZIRANGA AND MANAS NATIONAL PARK

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK:


Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the far North East of India, Assam.Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430 sq. Kms with its swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass making it the ideal habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. Due to limitless poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the Kaziranga National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940. Kaziranga National Park is a briding paradise; the grasslands are a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Shite Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalaya Griffon etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the parks lake and marshy areas during winters, including Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.
One-Horned Rhino

The star attraction of this park is the famed one Horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Asiatic Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards etc.


        Kaziranga’s visiting season is from mid-November to early April months. During the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing animals to migrate to the Karbi Anglong hills or they move on to the numerous artificial hillocks spread out in the Park itself. It is 217 km away from Guwahati Airport and the other Airport is Jorhat which is 97 km away from Kaziranga National Park. 


MANAS NATIONAL PARK:


Manas National Park in Assam is situated on the foothills of the country’s Himalayas and a part of it continues across the international border into Bhutan, where it is known as the Royal Manas National Park. Covering an area of 391 sq.km, the Manas National Park was declared a sanctuary on 1st October’1928 and later it was designated as a World Heritage Site in December’1985.
MANAS NATIONAL PARK

          The Assam Manas National Park with its picturesque beauty and incomparable wealth of wildlife offers one of the most enthralling experiences. The sanctuary also a world heritage site is home to a great variety of wildlife, including Tiger, Golden Langur, Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Capped Langur, Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, the endangered Bengal Floricana, etc.

          Manas known for its Project Tigers, Rhinos & Elephants, and is Assam’s one of the two Tiger Projects has had quite a success story with former insurgents belonging to different militants groups and poachers laying down their guns only to pick them up again only this time to protect the same animals they once hunted almost to extinction. But with the new zeal that the forest authorities have undertaken Manas is all set to regain its lost glory as the jewel of the east when it comes to Tiger Conservation and wildlife. A must travel for genuine wildlife enthusiast.

HOW TO REACH: Manas is 176 Km form Guwahati, Nearest Airport in Guwahati. Nearest Railhead is Barpeta Road, 41 km from Manas.


WHERE TO STAY: There are several Guest House alongside the sanctuary, TNT Recommends Bansbari Lodge Managed by Jungle Tours and Travels. Another option is the Government run Guest House within the sanctuary premises. 

MAJULI LARGEST FRESH WATER ISLAND IN ASSAM

Are you looking for a place where you can spend your holidays amidst cool waters, lush greenery, high cultural synthesis and a rich ecology. Then you need to travel to Majuli. When it comes to preserving ecology, culture, wildlife and heritage nothing comes close to Majuli Islands in Assam –widely known as the largest fresh water island in Southeast Asia. The Majuli wetland, is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season. Adjutant stork, Pelican, Sibegeese and ducks are found in plenty. Hindu believe that the island is the abode of Lord Krishna. This place has been the cradle of the rich culture that Assam possesses. The Satras, set up to preserve antiques like weapons, jewellery and utensils attract tourists. The serene and enchanting view of Majuli is a spectacle to behold and the memories of this place are treasures for any tourist.
MAJULI ISLAND IN ASSAM

HOW TO REACH:
Majuli is just 20 Kms away from Jorhat. To visit Majuli, one has to avail the bus or hired taxi service upto Nimati Streamer Ghat and from there embark a steamer or rowing boat.
WHEN TO VISIT: Autumn and Winter.

WHERE TO STAY: Circuit House, Uttar Kamalbari Sarta and other resorts.

Sunday, July 30, 2017

NEER MAHAL PALACE IN AGARTALA

If you are looking out for a total rest amid cool water then visit the Neer Mahal- the only water palace of eastern India. The magnificient lake palace was constructed as a summer resort in 1930 by late Maharaja Birbikaram Kishore Manikya Bahadur of the illustrious Manikya Dynasty which ruled the erstwhile princely state of Tripura for more than 500 years. The fascinating palace stands in the middle of a natural lake called Rudrasagar, having an area of 5.35 sq.km. The construction was undertaken by Martin & Burn Co.
NEER MAHAL PALACE IN AGARTALA


A good combination of Hindu and Mughal Architecture can be noticed on the domes of the palace. The palace has two parts- one on the western side known as Andar Mahal which was used by the royal family and another on the eastern side which was used for the security guards, caretakers and servants. There are 15 rooms in the main Andar Mahal. There is a beautiful garden laid in the western side of the palace. In the garden there is an open stage where drama and theatre used to be performed during the times of the Maharajas.

The approach to the palace is also exciting. Once needs to take a boat ride from Rajghat. There is a motor boat ghat inside the palace upto which the motor boat can go.

The best time to go to Neer Mahal is between July and August when an annual boat race is organized in the back waters of Rudrasagar. During winter, a large number of migratory birds flock visit to the lake. February to March is also a good time to visit the palace.

Location:
53 Km away from Agartala, Capital of Tripura.

How To Reach:
Agartala is connected by air, rail and road to Silchar, Shillong, Guwahati and Kolkata. To reach Neer Mahal, Agartala to Melaghar in Sonamura Sub-division one has to avail the Bus or hired taxi service.

Where to Stay:

Sagar Mahal lodge is the State Government Lodge which is located at Sonamura of Tripura District. Sagar Mahal has 44 beautifully designed rooms and provides exclusive service and amenities.

To know more details about Neer Mahal visit this link: 
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g1028662-d3179319-Reviews-Neermahal_Palace-Agartala_West_Tripura_District_Tripura.html

ZIRO FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

Founded in 2012 by Bobby Hano and guitarist Anup kutty, the Ziro Festival is an incredible occasion of music festivities in Indian North-E...