All posts tagged: nagaland

Camp Under The Stars and Refresh Your Souls By Trekking to the Picturesque Dzükou Valley in Nagaland | Rohan Abraham of India Trail Talks About Their Upcoming “Dzükou Fest”

Published by Rachel Thong

We all know that city life can be stressful – and not only that, routine life anywhere can get depressing at times. We are also well aware that an escape to nature is what we need. But it’s easier said than done. For most of us, planning a getaway is not an easy task. For instance, a trip to the much talked about Dzükou valley in Nagaland may seem inaccessible to most of us. That’s when boutique travelers like “India Trail” provides a convenient solution. Known as the travel experts for the beautiful and mostly unexplored region of North East India, the guys at India Trail have been doing their bit to allow people from all over to experience the natural wonders of the region. Today we have co-founder of India Trail Rohan K Abraham to talk about their upcoming camping trip “Dzükou Fest” to enlighten us about the place, the camp and everything you need to know, to finally plan your trip to Dzükou Valley – the most beautiful trekking spots in the North East of India. Rohan Abraham of India Trail chats …

Singer-Songwriter Marmen Talks About Growing Up in a family of Musicians in Nagaland and Her Life as a Full-Time Musician in Hyderabad

Published by Ale Mero

Marmen was 6 years old when she sang at her first gig. Fully backed and supported by her mother and family, this singer from Nagaland has grown up performing at Church, school and many other cultural functions. You may have heard her lovely voice from her debut song called “Shitty Luv”, written and recorded with fellow singer-songwriter Oren Mozhui. We had a little chat with singer Marmen from Nagaland about her songwriting and music, which she says is continually influenced by her personal life and family. She talks to us about her passion for music, her love for her job and her plans for the near future. Hello Marmen. Tell us a bit about yourself. Hi, my name is Marmenla M Pongen. I’m also known as Amenla and Marmen. I was born on the 21st of April, 1991 in Kohima, Nagaland. I’m the youngest of 6 siblings and now, I live in Hyderabad and a full-time singer and performer. What got you started as a full-time musician and stage performer? With my mom as …

Owner And Creator of Indie Fashion Label “Alem Ozukum” On How She Seamlessly Incorporates Her Humble Life Motto Into Her Styles and Designs

Published by Meyaakum

“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” – Luke 6:38 (Bible) Today, we’re happy to introduce a rising talent in the fashion scene – designer Alem Ozukum from Nagaland – who clearly knows a thing or two about fashion. She runs her self-named label ‘Alem Ozukum’ single-handedly under simple and humble mottos and is the sole creator of every piece that she sells. Right from designing to execution, Alem is hands-on when it comes to the entire creative and business process We had a lovely chat with fashion designer Alem Ozukum from Kohima, Nagaland who gave us an insight into her creative process, her humble life mottos and her hopes and dreams for her brand. Hello Alem. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Hi my name is Alemzungla Ozukum, I am a fashion designer based in Kohima, Nagaland. I am the founder and …

NorthEast Fashion Report from The Streets of Shillong – by Arepla Jamir

Published by Arepla Jamir

For those who are familiar with the vibrant energy of Shillong, a big part of its charm comes from the young folks that flock its streets. And almost unmissable is the fashion landscape of the town, represented mainly by the student crowd gathered from across the North East of India – which is undeniably the country’s hotspot for all the movers and shakers in Fashion. Our contributor Arepla Jamir from Nagaland, currently a student in Shillong herself, introduces us to some of her fashionable friends to give us a sense of what’s trending in the local fashion scene in Shillong. “Trendspotting can be a tough job in today’s world because fashion trends are constantly changing; and with individual style gaining popularity, tracing a trend in a particular place is not so simple. So the best way to gauge the local fashion scene is to walk down the streets – especially here in Shillong, which can give you a pretty good view of what’s trending – all in one place” ~ Arep, Student, Shillong Hakani Sungoh, 21, Political …

Three Friends From Northeast India Bring Yummy Food and Great People Under One Roof | Meet the Founders of “Cultured” Cafe, Delhi

Published by Vilina

Dubbed as ‘The mini North-Eastern food hub’, Humayunpur located in Safdarjung , New Delhi is a haven for North-eastern cuisine lovers and fashion enthusiasts. The streets are filled with restaurants, cafes and chic clothing stores. And as you walk through the lanes, “Cultured” cafe trails you back to another narrow passage – which is as beautiful as a picture (read: #Instagramable) and a perfect representation of the place that awaits the visitor. This pet-friendly (yes! you heard that right) cafe cum co-working space serves freshly brewed coffee and absolutely delightful food – ranging from breakfast favorites to wholesome and healthy meals to fresh desserts, prepared by one of the founders, who also happens to be a passionate baker. Here’s a chat with the founders of “Cultured” cafe – a team of three friends from Northeast India. They talk about their passionate venture, their collective roots and their influence, and of course, the food! Hello guys, please introduce yourselves! Hi, I am Esha and 1/3rd of “Cultured” cafe. I am 24 years old and a communication graduate. …

Recipe| Wild Celery Cooked In Roasted Perilla Seed in Naga Style

Published by Lidang

We love our local vegetables (especially green leaves) the same way we love meat and here is another easy to cook recipe to add as a side dish with your favourite vegetarian thali or non -vegetarian thali and trust us, it won’t disappoint you . In today’s recipe section , we will teach how to cook fresh local wild celery cooked in roasted perilla seeds . Cooking time : 20-30 minutes Ingredients : Fresh bamboo shoot flesh (a handful) or depending on how much you are making Handful of wild celery 1 Tablespoon perilla seeds Couple of green chillies One cup of water Directions to cook : First boil water and green chilli. While they are boiling, roast perilla seeds and roughly crush them Once the bamboo shoot and green chillies are soft and cooked add the celery and salt and cook for 5-7 minutes or till water almost dries. Lastly, add the perilla seeds and take it off the flame Ready to eat with your favourite dish and local rice !

Meet Gilbert Lotha Owner Of “Café Serrano” Nagaland ,Who Dares To Do More Than Just Dream Away

Published by Ovung Jungio

On one of his trips to Wokha, Nagaland , our R&L member Jungio made a visit to one of the earliest café around the vicinity -Café Serrano . He describes the cafe as an excellent backdrop for a Hollywood-esque dining setting with the orange tint of the dusk dancing off the porcelain plates and the stainless cutleries. R & L contributor sat down with Gilbert Lotha, chef and proprietor of the cafe talking about his journey , challenges , kitchen misadventures and more. What led you to become a chef and how was the journey? While doing my Advance Course in Continental Cuisine from Indus Institute of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management, Bangalore I was surprised to witness the level of insane dedication and undiluted passion for the culinary arts shown by the visiting foreign staffs which both challenged and nudged me into emulating the same level of professionalism and love for the culinary art. The journey from a student of the art to a business owner has been a long winding road for me personally- from …

Meet Vikhietuonuo Rutsa – Soulful Pianist and Music Teacher from Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

“Music is the key to your soul” As cliché as it may sound, it is always going to be true! Music can trigger feelings and memories, and most importantly, can connect you to the self, the creator or even a stranger thousands of miles away from you. Today we have a sweet soul, who is a pianist, music teacher and youth leader. Vikhietuonuo Rutsa from Nagaland radiates peace and calm, and that you can feel very strongly in her music. We had a quick chat with the musical genius Vikhietuonuo Rutsa, to talk about what keeps her focused and optimistic, taking risks, and how to prepare for stage performances, as a beginner. Tell us something about yourself, and when did you start playing? Hi , my name is Vikhietuonuo Rutsa but my friends call me Vikhie or Vi. I’m 26 years old from Kohima – a Sociologist, a Musician, Youth Chairman and a Worship Leader at Baptist Mission Church, Kohima. “I started my first piano lesson when I was 10 from Miss Mhalevonuo Zhale. Later on only …

Football Fans in Nagaland Gears Up For World Cup 2018

Published by Kumti

Northeast has always been open to the culture of sports and football has definitely been one of the most celebrated sports in this part of India. Nagaland has now rolled over to move a step ahead with the rest of the world in cheering for their favourite team this year and if you are a football fan, you would have surely noticed the houses hoisting the flags as well as cars passing by with proud waving flags of the country they are supporting. World Cup 2018 has definitely become a festivity rather than just a game. With the FIFA World Cup 2018 kicking in ,we spoke to some of the football fanatics from Nagaland sharing their memories from previous World Cup, and their thoughts on what is going to be the destiny for the team they are rooting for and more! Alem Aier, a teacher by profession, is a true Manchester United fan and says he is supporting Belgium this year. “My favourite memory last year was organizing the screening of final match at police point, …

Meet These Self-Taught Jewelry Makers from Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

Remember Aben of “Aben Jewellery” – one of our first guests on Roots and Leisure? Thanks to people like her who has inspired many to follow her footstep and take up jewelry-making as a serious hobby and eventually turning it into a full blown venture from home. Over the last 2 years, we have seen hundreds of people joining this creative force to produce new forms of art in the form of handmade jewellery. Today our contributor Tiaren profiles some of them to understand the motivation behind their creative journey – and to take a peek into their collection. “After talking to some of my friends who have taken up jewellery-making as a hobby, I realize that one of the main motivations is to turn their innate talent and interest in creative art, from a hobby to now a means of financial security. It’s super inspiring to see how these talented determined individuals are taking their passion to the world by nurturing their love of all things local – especially their aesthetics taste, which can range from eccentric to minimalistic to over the top! …