All posts filed under: NAGALAND

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RootsandLeisure_ASweetEscape

“I Want to Create my Own Dessert Recipes using Local Ingredients” | Baker Atu Jamir from Nagaland

Mondays, the dreaded day when you go back to work or school. Here’s a tip to beat the Monday blues.  How about a ‘sweet escape’ into the world of confectionaries? Think macaroons, eclairs, praline, cheese cake, marshmallows dipped in chocolate sauce! Either that or a look through Atu’s pictures may do the trick. The team catches with owner and baker of ‘A Sweet Escape’, Atu Jamir on her journey of becoming an entrepreneur and baker. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Born in Kohima and hailing from the mystical village of Longsa Village , my name is Atu Jamir and I am currently living in Dimapur. I got married this year with a wonderful man who is also the biggest supporter of my passion and love for baking. I graduated in Economics from Hyderabad University and worked with a corporation for a brief stint of one year. I then returned home, completed my master’s degree and worked as a teacher in one of the reputed schools in Dimapur. During my four years …

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“The human mind never stops thinking; it’s why we run upstairs after turning off the lights at night!”: Thej Yhome | Digital Manga Artist from Nagaland

  A very few of us know the fact that our favorite ’90s cartoon series “The Jungle Book”, based on Rudyard Kipling’s book, was an anime. That was the start of our fascination with anime and we didn’t even know what it was! Eventually, Shinchan and Doraemon made their way to Indian TV sets, but the Japanese comic art form called ‘manga’ is yet to enjoy its fair share of popularity in the country. That’s why, Naga artist and manga illustrator, Thejakhrienuo Yhome’s work deserves more attention. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Thejakhrienuo Yhome, but I go by Thej Yhome. I’m 23 and work as a digital artist in Kohima, Nagaland. Right now, I’m enjoying the freedom of a gap year student and freelancing as an artist at home. What got you started? I enjoy telling stories and I love narrating them through comics and animation. But I also work on illustrations and other commissioned artwork. What initially sparked your interest in this field? I became fascinated with Japanese anime, especially Pokemon …

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Breaking New Ground in Modern Art with Her Distinct Style : Meet Artist/ Illustrator- Ayangbe Mannen from Nagaland

  Self-taught artist and graphic designer, Ayangbe Mannen has no qualms about mixing business with pleasure. Her Instagram feed is filled with a unique artistic style, capturing the beauty of the female form. Her passion for mixing watercolour, ink and her vivid imagination has drawn Mannen out of the confines of stereotypical artwork and led her to discover her unique style. A style that is memorable and fascinating. We interviewed Mannen to get a peek into how she draws that strange paradox between beauty and chaos in her artwork. Tell us a little bit about yourself – where you’re from, and what you do? My name is Ayangbe Mannen. I am a self-taught artist from Nagaland and am currently based out of Delhi. I am also a freelance designer and illustrator. Most of my work, whether professionally or as my own creative expression, is an ongoing learning process. How did you get started as an artist? I have always loved to draw. I think a lot of it comes from seeing my mother paint. She’s a great artist. …

RootsandLeisure_JonathanYhome

On Following Your Dreams And Becoming a Full-Time Musician : Jonathan Yhome

They say dreamers can be dangerous men. The world fears them for they, more often than not, act on their dreams with an intention to succeed at all costs. Jonathan Yhome followed his dream  and became a full-time musician. At Nagaland’s business town, Dimapur, Yhome strives everyday to reach his goal of becoming a successful musician. This is his story. Will you be releasing an EP anytime soon? I have not released an album or an EP yet, but I have officially written songs that have been featured as OSTs for movies, for example, ”Something New” was featured in the movie ”Nana – A Tale of Us” by Dreamz Unlimited. A song I wrote for my parents called‘‘Send Me Away’‘ was featured on The The REC.urrent.  I’ve also released a single called ‘‘Before We Know” and Sofar Sounds featured another single of mine called ”Go Tell Your Mother”. What sparked your interest in this field initially? I started my musical journey when I first joined the Nagaland Conservatory of Music in 2013. Ever since I was a kid I …

RootsandLeisure_BookRoots

The Book ‘Roots’ Inspired me to Delve Deeper into My Roots – But I have a Different Perspective on Identity

“The story of  Kunta Kinte inspired a generation of people to delve deeper into understanding their history and roots. I am from a different generation and of a different race but this book inspired me to return home and seek out my own history. (I am a Rongmei Naga, born to a Gangte mother, who grew up in a mixed community town, living in a state that is not Nagaland, speaking as many as 5 languages). While the pursuit didn’t answer all my queries, it made me reconcile myself with the perennial question of my identity- that it is not based on my historical grouping but on what I do with my life while I am alive.” .. and we believe that knowing your roots can help identify your unique skills, to contribute to the new communities you join. I keep recommending this book to people and somehow I also end up losing my copy. Yes, there are people who don’t return books they borrow. I was pleasantly surprised by @pem5398 yesterday. I had recommended this book to her, …

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Interview with Polar Lights Band from Nagaland

Nagaland in the North East region of India is an artist hub. Unlike the place which is mostly an unknown corner in the country, artists from this part are often one of the most recognized in their fields – especially musicians. North East region produces the country’s best original music artists. Today we are sitting with Mar Jamir – the lead singer of the super talented band from Nagaland – Polar Lights. Meet Mar Jamir from the band ‘Polar Lights’. Formed in the year 2013, they have come a long way. Hello Mar so good to be having this chat with you! Tell us about your band “Polar Lights”  Polar Lights came together back in 2013. We’ve always been avid music enthusiasts, so when the opportunity came for all of us to get together and write music, we gave it a shot and 3 years later, we’re still here – writing music and doing what we love doing the most.  So it was definitely worth the shot. We’ve had a couple of lineup changes since our inception but …

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Recipe | Smoked Pork with Colocasia Roots (Arbi)

We all crave for home cooked food at some point or the other, doesn’t matter whichever part of the world we live in. And specially if it’s locally grown vegetables and ingredients, it feels like heaven. So here is another local recipe cooked using some local veggies – Colocasia root (locally called as Arbi) with Smoked Pork and garden herbs. Colocasia or Arbi is basically an edible root vegetable native to Southeastern Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They are locally grown around the northeast and cooked with different meats to create traditional delicacies. Prep : 15 mins Cook: 35 mins Serves: 6 Ingredients: 1 kg of colocasia roots/arbi, peeled and chopped 350 grams of smoked pork, thinly sliced (can be replaced with smoked beef) A handful of crested late summer mint (can be replaced with hooker chives roots or lemon basil) 1 inch of ginger knob crushed 1 inch of fresh turmeric crushed (in case you’re using turmeric powder use 1/2 teaspoon) Ghost pepper(preferably dried) as required Salt to taste Directions to cook :  In …

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Catching Up With Megosano Sakhrie – A Hand Lettering Artist from Nagaland

Hand lettering and calligraphy has taken up quite some space now in the world of Instagram. We come across various artists every now and then, from painting to sketching, illustrating and much much more. But ever came across a hand lettering artist? This got us really excited and curious to know as to what actually it is and we caught up with a hand letterer from Nagaland itself. Megosano Sakhrie, living the m.for.apples life on Instagram is a full time dreamer and part time letterer based out of Nagaland. So Megosano, how did it all start? Instagram is how my lettering journey started and that is where I get my daily dose of inspiration. Feeding myself with visuals of the work of all sorts of artists motivates me to learn and grow each time. Even if it is just some person’s picture or story or quotes, if it strikes me, I try and interpret them through my letters. And of course, my state of mind at that point in time also dictates the pieces I …

Lusano Zakiesato from Nagaland is the Fashion Designer of your Dreams

Lusano of ‘Lusano Designs’ has come a long way since she started her label in 2014. Her first international show, a bridal show, was held in Abu Dhabi in  2016. She was also selected to showcase her designs for IRW India Runway Week season 3 under the IFFD ( Indian Federation of Fashion Design Council). Today we have chat with her to know more about how it all started. R&L: Hi Lusano, please introduce yourself to our readers. Lusano: Born and brought in Nagaland, I completed my schooling in Delhi and then went on to finish my fashion designing course from INIFD (International Institute of Fashion Design), Delhi. After that, I signed up for an additional month of pattern-making course as I am fascinated with how the details of patterns can change the whole garment. R&L: What are the key inspirations behind your designs? Lusano: I started working on my brand collection (well actually just ‘my collection’ since I didn’t plan on a ‘Brand’ yet ) in my final year at INFID. At that time, …

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Recipe | Beef Hide with Axone

Smoked beef hide (skin) is another ingredient that is relished n Nagaland. Today, our recipe contributor Kesang will guide us on how to make a spicy treat using beef hide and axone. Kesang believes that the spicier, the better (think FOUR King chili hot!) for an unforgettable taste experience! Your taste buds are in for a treat! Make sure you try this recipe and let us know how much you liked it!  Beef with Axone and King Chilli Ingredients : 250 grams of Buffalo/ Beef Skin 4 pieces of King Chilli Cooking Oil Salt to taste 200 grams of Axone (fermented Soya Bean) 12 Garlic Cloves Directions to cook : First, clean the buffalo skin thoroughly and pressurize in the cooker for about 3-4 whistles. After pressurizing it, cut it into small pieces. Next, grind the garlic and king chilies together to make it into a semi-paste. Then, heat 5 tbsp of refined oil in a skillet/pan. Add in garlic and chili paste with salt and fry it for 2 minutes till the raw smell fades …