Month: September 2017

RootsandLeisure_ZunhebotoNagaland

Of Rustic Delight and Living | Zünheboto in Nagaland

Imagine this. A rustic hillside town nestled within lush hills, with views of spectacular sunrises every morning, blue skies and clouds nestled between hills all day, and vibrant hues of sunsets to end the evening. Lush green forests, freshwater streams and rivers in almost every direction; sounds like a nature lovers dream come true right? And if you’re someone, looking for such experience, then we just might have the perfect place for you. Let’s take you on a journey to the mighty land of warriors- Zünheboto, which also means “hilltops of Zünhebo”. The name of the town comes from ‘Zünhebo’ flower, which abounds plenty in the area. The town is nestled around some beautiful villages, which offers a treat to your eyes as you get to witness interesting attractions cornered all around. Definitely a place to get you exhilarated and makes you wonder why haven’t you visited this place earlier? But better late than never, right? So, how about a visit to the Ghosu Bird Sanctuary as a startup activity? Here, every dawn break, all …

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Vevozo Vero | Wedding Photographer from Nagaland

Continuing with our wedding photograhy series, today we catch up with Vevozo Vero, a wedding photographer from Kohima, Nagaland who has a passion for immortalising life’s moments through a lens. Let’s watch him getting candid and know what inspired him to venture into the wedding genre! Hey Vevozo! Tell us something about yourself. I’m from Phusachodu village under Phek district and now settled in Kohima. Back in the  day as a kid, I always admire people with camera (Digital Reel Camera) so I have always dreamt of having one of my own someday. Back in 2011,  I bought my first DSLR Canon 550D and then  started capturing everything around me. My journey as a photographer  began after I completed my Masters in Mass communication and Media Studies at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore back in 2013 though my specialization was in broadcast communication. I am a Freelance Photographer,  but also worked at Doordarshan Kendra Kohima (DD) as casual assignee (Post Production Assistant). I’m more into wedding photography but also shoot anything that attracts me. Apart from being a photographer, I also …

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Man of Many Passions | Jonathan Dkhar from Meghalaya

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” — Oprah Winfrey If not for passion, how else can we gather enough energy to pursue all that our heart longs to do. Jonathan Dkhar, from the hills of Shillong seems to have figured that out. He is a lawyer by profession but has many passions – he is a biker and a musician; he plays as a session drummer for two bands : one a progressive metal band called ‘Dwar’ and another a heavy rock/ metal band called ‘Akhia’. His energy in turn inspires many to live each moment with passion. Here’s a chat with Jonathan Dhkar to understand why and how he juggles many interests. Hi Jonathan! Tell us something about yourself. I have lived in Meghalaya my whole life , and I am currently working full time as a lawyer.  As a part time activity, I play the drums with a couple of bands here in Shillong. I also love going for long rides on my bike and exploring the …

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Recipe | Kangshoi (Broth) – Naga Style

Today’s recipe, Kangshoi, meaning broth, comes from our lovely reader Yuimi Vashum. It is best eaten with rice. Serve it hot on a chilly rainy day. Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes Ingredients: 1 big potato 1 small onion 1 medium tomato 100 grams of spinach (or any leafy vegetable) 1-inch ginger 4 cloves garlic 3 green chilly 4 to 5 pieces of dried meat (4 or 5 inches) or dried fish 1 tablespoon of mustard or cooking oil Directions to cook:  Chop the potatoes into cubes. Thinly slice the onions, tomatoes, and chili. Grind ginger and garlic. Add potatoes, onions, chili, dry meat or dry fish, and tomatoes into a pot. Add water, 2/3 the level of the food in the pot on the stove. Add salt and mustard/cooking oil and let it boil. (if you are using dry fish, make sure to fry it first before you add to the pot). In about 10 minutes, add ginger and garlic. Let it cook for 5 more minutes and check if the potato …

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Abeto Shohe | Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer from Nagaland

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind. Abeto’s thoughts are somewhere close on the similar lines – a wedding and lifestyle photographer from Dimapur, Nagaland. Born and brought up in a middle class Christian family, Abeto Shohe is a wedding and lifestyle photographer from Dimapur Nagaland who is passionate about capturing life’s moments on his camera. He has a Masters degree in Political Science. Besides, photography and shooting weddings, he runs a photography training institute in Dimapur as well.  Hi Abeto! Tell us how you got started with photography in the first place.  My photography has evolved a lot since my younger days. Some moments are meant to be treasured forever and it is only possible through capturing them. To be honest, photography was more of a hobby for me at first, but later it turned out to be a full time profession. It is hard to believe that I get to …

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Faces | Narrating Old Tales of Folklore

“Her name is Prisca Persina Lynrah. She resides in Sohra, popularly known as Cherapunjee, located in East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. I met her a few months back, when I was searching for a elderly woman to play a small role in my short film. At the age of 94, I found her grace and memories so magnetic, that now I keep on visiting her to listen to her century old folktales and wisdom of the khasi tribes inhabiting there.” ~ Harshil Bhanusali, Film Director & Photographer.  

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Amelia takes us to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

See elephants as they should be seen at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. R&L’s newest contributor Amelia from the UK (and based out of Thailand), takes us on a virtual tour to this beautiful elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She shares how she enjoyed her day out in the wild, spending quality time with the rescued animals in their natural habitat, and relished her Thai vegetarian buffet lunch. Thailand’s Northern Province of Chiang Mai is an incredible place to see wildlife, boasting an array of exotic animals that are specific to the region. But what separates the Elephant Nature Park from the rest is its commitment to the welfare of the elephants – a movement against keeping elephants in confinement for human amusements. There is no riding here and each elephant’s needs are individually assessed and prioritised. For those intending to visit the park, the itinerary, travel details, and cost set out below is what you can expect from a one day tour. Itinerary: The day begins with elephant feeding, visitors stand on …

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Doodler Extraordinaire – Lungshai Leisan | Doodles, Illustrations and Comics

“The world is not made of atoms. It is made of stories” – Muriel Ruykeser  That is exactly what Lungshai wants to express through her pretty illustrations – the flair to be able to convey emotions, moods, ideas and narrative in all. Lungshai Leisan, 26, is currently pursuing Visual Communication from the College of Art, Delhi. Hailing from Ukhrul, Manipur, she freelances as an artist in her free time. She holds a degree in Multimedia Animation. Northeastern Natives | Doodle Illustrations by Lungshai Leisan. Hi Lungshai! We found your illustrations pretty amazing. Tell us something about it. How did you get started? My illustrations are founded on life and everything that surrounds me. Drawing has always been a delight for me since childhood. I remember how I used to draw everything and anything in my notebooks and textbooks in school. I never knew I could take up drawing as a profession until that summer back when I was in high school. I was intrigued and fascinated by my younger cousin, Ati’s drawings and paintings. I was …

RootsandLeisure_CrispyHoneyChicken

Recipe | Crispy Honey Chicken

It is almost weekend and we all tend to  acquire a mood to cook something nice or get that craving to help ourselves to something special. On that note, we are today sharing a recipe to pep up your meal – Crispy fried chicken, tossed with veggies and packed with flavors and spice. Let’s make it! INGREDIENTS : 500 gms of chicken breast 4 tbsp of honey 3 tbsp of white soy sauce 3-4 tbsp of cornflour 3 tbsp of water 1 tbsp of vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar) 1 egg 2 tbsp of chilli paste or green chilli for extra heat 5 cloves of crushed garlic Salt to taste Black pepper Oil to deep fry Chopped capsicum Spring Onion Toasted sesame seeds DIRECTIONS TO COOK: Cut the chicken breast pieces into strips and put them in a large bowl. Now, add in salt, black pepper, egg, cornflour to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Next, heat a good amount of oil in a large skillet or pan. (for deep frying) Drop the chicken pieces slowly, …