Sacred Forests - Meghalaya Series #6
What is so sacred here in a forest?
We woke up for the day, bracing ourselves for the trek ahead. We had to now climb down 500 steps, AND climb up 3500 steps.
I set a personal target for mine, and I was there in the base camp in the less than hour, oof, it was tough indeed. I literally saw porters, carrying 3-4 bags and climbing faster than me, jealous of their cardio levels.
One thing I really noticed in these places is, the people here are naturally fit and strong, as they walk and traverse these landscapes on a day to day basis; they have such strong calves, and legs. Their grip is so strong on these rock crevices, that they walk on these as simply, but we struggle and need sticks or ropes to do the same!
After my entire group came up, we went back to the same Orange Roots Restaurant for the lunch, and then made our way to the next and final spot.
Sacred Forest
Meghalaya has like around 160+ such forests; these are called so because the local tribes perform regular rituals to their forest deities - starting from animal slaughter till forest conservation.
Public are not allowed inside any of these sacred forests; in 2008, one of the forests with only limited access to public was opened, that too, one person will accompany and take us back safely.
These forests have some restrictions - public or even the locals are not allowed to bring a fruit or leaf or even soil out from the forest - completely restricted. Inside the forest, you are allowed to enjoy these fruits. Not following this is believed to be of negative consequences caused by the god, for the locals.
These forests were so calm and well maintained by the locals. The tree you see fallen behind was caused by one such negative consequence in the form of a storm back then.
These forests have trees ranging from the oldest trees in the wild, while also having some exotic European varieties, which started growing here due to migratory birds.
We also happened to see rudraksh trees, and also were able to buy some genuine ones there; you can buy any number of faces (as they call ii, every faced rudraksh is to be believed with some special connotation/power)
By the time we left at 6.30 PM, it was extremely windy and cold, and all of us were wearing 2-3 layers to protect us.
After this, we left to Shillong and explored the market streets till they closed at around 9 PM. A usual bustling street, where you can buy anything. You can also relish some local food, as we did! From pork to beef to fish, you can get anything here.
Then, we retired at the Zostel Shillong, one of the most beautiful Zostels I have ever been to, the best, and bid farewell to each of my friends whom I had just met 5 days back. Just like Kashmir trip with Zostel, this group had also got close to me in such a short duration. I loved the vibe with them.
Wait, before we conclude the Meghalaya Series, I wanted to give one special edition too.
Why not some offbeat this time?
Why not learn about the culture and tradition of the Meghalaya people?
TRUST ME, YOU WILL BE FASCINATED TO KNOW SUCH PRACTISES
Wait and witness what is waiting for you all.
One last special piece from Meghalaya is loading…
PROMISE, if not all the other places in Meghalaya, do only what I write in the next blog of this series, IT’S WORTH 100%❤️
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