Author: Roots & Leisure

RootsandLeisure_Faces_Exams

Faces | Students in Nagaland Busy Studying for Their Mid Term Exams

“My name is Ayudangla, and right now I am busy studying for my mid term exams; we have our Science paper tomorrow. I am a 10th standard student at Christian High School Dimapur.  Our exams started  from 9th March onwards, and will end only on 21st March. So my daily routine right now is study, go write my exams, come back home, change my clothes, get some rest – and back to my books with tea and snacks. I can’t wait for my exams to get over and meet my friends for a street food outing in the evening. Planning to go out on 21st itself right after the exam ends.”

RootsandLeisure_Faces

A Visit to the Traditional House in Zhavame Village, Nagaland

“We are sitting against the backdrop of a traditional house in Zhavame village under Phek district, adorned with wood carvings that signify the owner of the house has performed the ‘Feast of Merit‘ several times, the highest social status in the olden days. It’s a beautiful reminder of our rich cultural heritage. On colder days, it’s common for village folks to sit around the fire in the frontage of the house, share stories and discuss issues, reminding us that even in the midst of broken hopes and dreams, warmth and kindness can still be found.” ~ Rita Krocha Rita Krocha and friends sitting around a fire inside a traditional house in Zhavame village, Nagaland

Art Is Where His Passion Lies – Meet the Courageous Kekhrie Khamo

“In art, there is no need for color; I see only light and shade. Give me a crayon, and I will paint your portrait” ~ Francisco Goya Kekhrie Khamo from Kohima is an alliteration in itself to define the spectacular art that he creates through portraits and images he conjures on the canvas. Leaping from an academic-centric space into a world of artistic connection, was the courage he first drew. Now he draws images and hopes to inspire people from his art. Meet the 21-year-old who dares to draw. Share a little bit about who you are, where you’re from and what you’ve been up to? My name is Kekhrie Khamo and I am from Kohima, Nagaland. I am 21 years old and I am currently pursuing my Degree in Animation at Dr. Beltran’s School of Animation and Visual Wonder, Bangalore. My passion lies in art. Anything and everything related to art. It wasn’t easy pursuing my passion at an initial stage. I come from a small town and it is only natural that parents …

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A Recipe of Tekeli Pitha from the Kitchen of Assam

Tekeli or keteli pitha are rice cakes from Assam. They are called so because they are made by steaming them in a kettle (tekeli) lid. Traditionally a winter food (but great to have all year round), this is my favorite comfort food of all times, something I’ve been requesting for breakfast and evening snack since childhood.  Today’s recipe is submitted by Pari Hazarika. A dreamer with a head full of recipes, and a grubby feet prickling to take off to the next promising place to explore. Cooking time: 10-12 minutes Servings: 4-5 pitha on a medium sized kettle lid Ingredients: 1 cup short grained rice 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut 1/2 cup date palm jaggery (khejur gur) 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional) You will also need a kettle and two pieces of muslin, cheesecloth or other fine cloth suitable for culinary purposes. Directions to Cook: Soak the rice for 2-4 hours, then spread it out on a newspaper. When the excess water has dried off, grind it as finely as possible Fill half of …

RootsandLeisure_Pelenuo Yhome

A Chat with Pelenuo Yhome – The Architect from Nagaland with a Musical Soul

  “Will you go with me to the ends of the earth.Where we will build a story, a story that will last” ~ An excerpt from Pelenuo’s song You feel a certain kind of ease and calm when listening to Pelenuo’s song ‘Build A Story’, her first single. We catch up with this architect from Srishti Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore to talk about her foray into music and how she got started. Hi Pelenuo, say something about yourself 🙂 My name is Pelenuo, and I am from Nagaland. I am an architect graduate from Srishti Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore. So I am home now in Nagaland working as an architect/interior designer in Dimapur. Besides my work, I also love food, sneakers ( I like walking and sneakers are the best shoes ever!)  and of course music! I’m a fan of singer, Taya Smith and my favourite genre is country music. Those that follow the north-east music scene on Instagram, would most probably  have heard of Jonathan Yhome. He’s my younger brother and he plays …

RootsandLeisure_Faces

“Aten Really is a no-rule-applies-to-me Person” | Kids in Nagaland Pose for a Photo

“Aten really is a “no-rule-applies-to-me” person. She just got that wallet as a gift from her dad (honestly, I don’t even know what kind of a gift is that – for a kid! lol) but she adores her dad 🙂 The moment she saw me, she showed off her wallet and what’s inside. She has lots of paper (maybe she thinks money is paper – and vice versa) and one 10 rupee note. Her mom wanted to take a photo of the three of them : Aten,  her older brother (middle) and their cousin. But she was not in the mood to pose at all – unlike her brother who’s always ready for a click. Her mom finally got her to pose by promising a jelly candy afterward. But she doesn’t look convinced. LOL” ~ Sungdi

RootsandLeisure_RosseleJam

Recipe | Ruby Red Roselle Jam

“I got a good batch of red roselle from my terrace garden itself. Apart from cooking various dishes , I made this beautiful tangy sweet jam from the roselles . Goes great with bread ,rotis and even in tarts” ~  Geeta (@geeta_4u) Geeta’s yummy roselle jam  recipe is given below. Ingredients: 1kg of Red Roselle Sugar to taste A table spoon of vinegar Directions to cook: Remove the red outer covering from the fruit All the red part is then boiled in a large vessel with water Once the water starts to boil ,it becomes ruby red Add equal amount of sugar and keep stirring continuously Remove the foam which forms at the top with a laddle Keep stirring for almost 45 mins The red petals will become mushy . (Optional to keep it if you want the mushy consistency) Add the vinegar The liquid will become dark red in colour and thick in consistency The jam is ready Let it cool Store it in clean , dry bottles .

RootsandLeisure_HillWild

“Hill Wild Chocolates” from Manipur are Made with Local Nuts and Seeds | A Chat with Founder Zeinorin Stephen

Armed with the passion for experimental ideas and geared with confidence and determination, Zeinorin from Ukhrul is not your regular entrepreneur. What sets her apart is her insatiable appetite for success and new ventures. The young lady will stop at nothing to keep her spirit high and going! And she has a secret sauce that literally helps her do that – which involves chocolates. Here’s her story. She’s someone you’ll always find hustling – wherever or whatever the situation. Along with running multiple initiatives under her venture “Hill Wild”, she also leads an NGO called “Phiva” which trains and works with women (they have 13 so far) to  make pickles and doughnuts. Hi Zeinorin, tell us something about yourself and How did you start your chocolate startup?  I’m Zeinorin Stephen from Ukhrul, Manipur. I often call myself a passionate entrepreneur because no matter how often I fail,  I always move on with persistence. It’s almost innate. I love sharing knowledge and I  have been extremely fortunate for I always end up meeting people with similar ideas and altruistic vision. So …