All posts filed under: NAGALAND

Explore Nagaland

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Meet Asano Peseyie from Nagaland – Founder of Quirky Qrafts

Remember those days in school when we used to exchange handmade cards? What an accomplishment it used to be – to be able to share a piece of our creativity with our best of friends! Sadly, we have outgrown that habit; not because we don’t care enough, but somehow we seemed to have gotten a little too busy for own good. But thanks to enterprising and creative people like Asano Peseyie, who with her cute little venture – Quirky Qrafts, is still serving organic love in various forms and shapes – as envelopes, pretty boxes and packages, cards, book marks and the list goes on . . . Meet Asano Peseyie, founder and creative head of Quirky Qrafts – a design and craft venture from Nagaland. A lot of artistry, designing and hard work goes into the process of making one-of-a-kind items that adds on to the essence of the token sent – and that’s exactly what Asano Peseyie strives to achieve through her venture. May this tribe of people grow in abundance and hope that through …

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Naga Recipe | Smoked Pork Stew with Kidney Beans

Here’s another favorite from Vilme’s kitchen. It’s a thick stew made with smoked pork and local kidney beans, and is often had with rice. INGREDIENTS (Serves 2) ~300 gms of smoked pork meat 3-4 pieces of fresh bamboo shoot 3 dried red chillies 2-3 fresh green chillies 2″ ginger 5 cloves of garlic 1 cup kidney beans* sokaked overnight (*from local market in Nagaland) 500 ml of water Salt to taste PREPARING THE INGREDIENTS As pointed above, kidney beans to be soaked in water overnight Clean the smoked pork thoroughly with  lukewarm water, and then cut them into 2″ – 3″ cubes Make a paste out of the ginger and garlic DIRECTIONS TO COOK Put all the ingredients in a pressure cooker, and cook for 6 whistles – or until the meat is tender and the beans are cooked well If the chillies are still whole, you can take out and mash them and put them back. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with rice

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This is How Fashionable Women from Northeast India Wear their Mekhelas

We’ve grown up watching the women in our lives wearing the mekhela so effortlessly, either in the traditional form or with an unconventional twist. Usually seen as traditional attire, mekhela has stood the test of time and is still an essential part of our lives today. Thanks to the young women from Northeast India, always looking for innovative ways to ramp up their wardrobe – and most likely, with borrowed inspiration from their mothers. Let’s take a look at how different women style their mekhelas. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE]” Mizo ladies in their traditional mekhelas ‘Puan’ paired with trendy tops and accessories. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE] Yakching looking lovely in her Naga silk mekhela paired with a white bell-sleeve top, perfect for a day out. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE] Valentina in all her elegance, in a pastel-toned …

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Portraits and Weddings | Photographer Atsen Murry of Pixel Stories, Shares His Story.

Though a lot of photographers seek to bring a soft touch to weddings through their work, Atsen Murry takes his clients’ most celebrated moments to another level. Very few artists provide quite the insider’s view through photos as beautifully as Atsen Murry – the photographer behind ‘Pixel Stories’. Murry’s Pixel Stories is a collection of photographs of ordinary people looking extraordinarily beautiful. Given his popularity, we wanted to learn more about the technique that makes it happen. Thankfully, we recently had the opportunity to ask Atsen a few questions about his work and what makes him tick. How did photography happen to you? I spent the first 15 years of my life in Nagaland. I have always had the bent of mind and cravings of an artist. In the beginning, I found a creative outlet in music, especially in composing tunes. I am still into compositions – sometimes with musical notes, and at other times with light. I did try out some conventional pursuits because of social pressure, like getting done with my pre-university degree in science from …

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Recipe | Mackerel Tin Fish in Bamboo Shoot

Hello! This recipe is for all the busy ones who need to fix a simple yet delicious meal in 15 minutes. So make sure you try this tin fish recipe for your dinner, next time. INGREDIENTS 1 tin / can of fish (we have used mackerel for this dish) 5 cloves of garlic 5 dried red chilly 1 medium sized onion 3 tablespoons of bamboo shoot 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil 1 cup of water DIRECTION TO COOK Heat the oil in a pan. Saute the onions and chillies Mash the garlic and toss them into the pan and fry until light golden brown Pour the canned fish (along with the brine), into the pan. Add bamboo shoot and water Cook on low flame till the water dries up Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with rice.  

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Eight Women in Fashion from NorthEast India and What Sets Them Apart

The team at Roots and Leisure brings together eight fashionable achievers – one each from every state [8 sister states] of Northeastern India to dissect their ‘Fashion & Achievement Quotient’ This was an especially fun set of interviews because it gave us a glimpse of the breadth of fashion personalities that North East India has been contributing to the country and to the world! Even with all that innate coolness and genetically-passed-down poise (aka North East Swag!), these women still manage to bring their own brand of beautiful to their style. Read on to find out what fashion means to them and their secret style weapons.  NAGALAND Maken Imcha Payne, Executive Director of International Recruitment and Relations, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) How has fashion empowered you as a woman? Fashion has always been my confidante, allowing me to become who I am and sometimes who I want to be, with no strings attached. It empowers me to be the protagonist of my own stories. To me, it’s never been about playing by …

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Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs | Temsusenla Kichu – Owner of Fusion Store Nagaland

When was the last time you got inspired by a women entrepreneur? It is very likely that it wasn’t too long ago. Thanks to the growing number of women hustling to make a mark, and in the process inspiring more women folks to join the force. Today, we have one such woman whose life journey as a go-getter and a contributor to society, started while still in school. Say hi to Temsusenla Kichu from Nagaland – owner of Fusion store, which houses an eclectic range of homegrown brands. By giving the local brands a platform, it acts as a catalyst of empowerment for the creators of the society. Tell us a little bit about yourself I am from Dimapur Nagaland, and currently nurturing my latest venture ‘Fusion store’, which houses various original creations from homegrown designers and creators. I have always been involved in various society activities, as I love being engaged and helping out wherever I can. It’s my 20th year being a part of the Rotary Club in Dimapur. I joined in the year 1997 as an …

Visit Nagaland’s Tuophema Village to Experience a Unique and Offbeat Getaway

Set amidst the vast expanse of the mountains, lies a tiny village on a hilltop with a panoramic view, carpeted with greenery. A pleasant reminder of unconventional living in the times of being bogged down amidst concrete forests in a technology-driven world : Nagaland’s beautiful Tuophema village. For an enthusiastic traveller wanting to explore more, a visit to the nonchalant Tuophema village is a visual treat and more. You will be introduced to the rich history of Angami Nagas and the folklore that aligns beautifully with the village. The locals have dutifully maintained the village and take care of the large variety of wildflowers and cherry blossoms that adorn its pathways. The village has 12 attractive tourist huts with the necessary equipment for visitors to enjoy a comfortable stay. Why do people enjoy coming to the village? Tourists from far and wide enjoy visiting the village for a unique travelling experience. You will often find a traveller talk about the incredible hospitality of the locals here. However, there isn’t much to do. Tuophema village is actually …

Being a Runway Success with Supermodel Ketholeno Kense from Nagaland

Ketholeno Kense is a name that needs no introduction. Just a year after winning the prestigious Kingfisher Calendar Hunt in 2014, she quickly made her mark in the industry by modelling for top designers such as Atsu Sekhose and Tarun Tahiliani. Kense is a shining example of how the Indian runway fashion scene is embracing new and distinctive personalities. Her star power has even caught the attention of renowned international publications such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue! With the essentials at hand and a unique romance with the industry, today Ketholeno is more inspired than ever to delve deeper into the craft of modelling. Roots & Leisure recently caught up with the ravishing Naga beauty to discuss her creative journey and future aspirations. R&L: We would love to know how you became who you are today. How was it for you when you first started? Leno Kense: I started modelling in college because my height presented me with a lot of opportunities. But back then, I didn’t have a serious plan to follow it …

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Top 5 Things to Do if You are Travelling to Nagaland

  So how much do you know about Nagaland? Well, let’s assume that you’ve heard just enough to be interested in planning a trip soon! That’s a good start. Here is a brief guide on some of the local hot spots to give you a flavor of what to expect.  1. ROAD TRIPPING If you are travelling to the northeast of India, allocate ample time to each state if you wish to explore them fully. Because the best way to soak in the beauty of this part of the country is through a road trip – where you can get a good view of the natural scenic beauty. The roads may be challenging at some spots, but definitely worth the ride. Advisable to take the aid of the locals or tour experts like IndiaTrail, who can custom design your trip, based on your preferences. 2. SPEND SOME TIME IN A VILLAGE To truly experience and understand the local life, we strongly recommend a stay in one of the villages. Pangti Village in Wokha might be a good choice. The …