Rising Stories in the East - December Edition

 

Dear Travel Partners,

As the year ends, the East shines with stories of heritage, resilience, and growth. From the serene monasteries of Arunachal to the vibrant shores of the Andamans, this region offers a blend of un- touched beauty and modern innovation.

In this edition, we spotlight sustainable tourism, community-driven initiatives, and changemakers shaping the East's future. We celebrate the festive season, from Nagaland's Hornbill Festival to Shillong's soulful carols, captur- ing the unique spirit of the region.

As we step into a new year, Rising Stories of the East remains dedicated to sharing tales of inspiration and progress. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to a future filled with discovery and hope.

Best Regards,
Amit Periwal

 

Upcoming Festivals

 

Darjeeling Melo-tea Fest & Hill Marathon

Date : 18th - 22nd December, 2024

Celebrated at : Darjeeling

Significance : This five-day event offers a unique winter experience, combining music, cultural celebrations, and a thrilling marathon. Visitors can immerse themselves in Darjeeling's rich heritage through the Orchid Festival, Orange Festival, and Ethnic Food Festival, showcasing the region's exquisite flowers, local produce, and traditional cuisine. The event also features a photographic exhibition, capturing the breath-taking landscapes and vibrant community life of Darjeeling, making it an unforgettable celebration of the hill station’s culture and beauty.

 

 

Poush Mela, Santiniketan, West Bengal

Date:  24^th – 26^th December, 2024

Celebrated at : Santiniketan, West Bengal

Significance:  One of the prominent Indian festivals in December is the Poush Mela, celebrated in Santiniketan, West Bengal, from December 24th to 26th, 2024. This festival marks the harvest season and highlights the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Established by Rabindranath Tagore, the Poush Mela is renowned for its enchanting Baul music performances, traditional crafts, and vibrant community atmosphere. It offers a unique chance to experience the cultural and intellectual essence of Bengal, blending academic, artistic, and folk traditions in a lively celebration.

 

 

Losoong/Namsoong Festival

Date: 31^St December, 2024

Celebrated at: Sikkim

Significance: Losoong (celebrated by the Bhutia community) and Namsoong (celebrated by the Lepcha community) mark both the Sikkimese New Year and the end of the harvest season. It is a time of celebration, gratitude, and joy, honoring the completion of the harvest and welcoming the new year. The festival showcases Sikkim's rich cultural heritage with traditional Cham dances, rituals, and community feasts. Spiritually, it is a time for renewal, prayers for peace, prosperity, and a bountiful year ahead, fostering unity and preserving age-old traditions.

 

Sector Update

 

 

Sundarbans Bird Festival 2025

Name: Sundarbans Bird Festival

Date: January 22-26, 2025

Duration: 5 Days

Location: Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, including the Tiger Reserve and South 24 Parganas Forest Division

Significance of the Event

The Sundarbans Bird Festival is an annual celebration of the region's rich avian diversity. Situated in a UNESCO World Heritage site, the festival serves to:

Raise Awareness: Highlight the importance of bird conservation in one of the world's largest estuarine mangrove ecosystems.

Promote Research: Gather essential data on bird species diversity, including threatened and migratory species.

Encourage Participation: Involve birdwatchers, researchers, and enthusiasts in a unique field experience.

The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve will be closed to tourists on Fridays, effective from December 1, 2024.

 

 

Union Civil Aviation Minister Inaugurates Seaplane Demo at Umiam Lake

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu launches a seaplane demonstration at Umiam Lake in Ri Bhoi District on November 14, during his two-day visit to Meghalaya.
• The Minister also presided over the 6th Edition of the Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit in Shillong, organized by the Government of India, Government of Meghalaya, Pawan Hans Ltd, and FICCI.

 

 

Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP) - Important Regulations and     Information for Travelers

• To visit Sikkim, tourists can obtain the Inner Line Permit by applying at the Indian visa stage (excluding E-Visas) or by submitting their passport and visa at the District Magistrate’s office in Darjeeling. Permits are also issued at check posts like Rangpoo, Melli, and Ramam when entering Sikkim.
• The following can be granted Inner Line permit/Restricted Area Permit to visit Sikkim ONLY by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi or the Indian High Commissions abroad.
• Foreigners travelling with Diplomat Passports/Official Passport like Red Cross etc.
• Citizens from China, Taiwan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Macau, Nigeria and Afghanistan
• Citizens of other countries also but born in China, Taiwan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Macau, Nigeria and Afghanistan require clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs to be granted the inner line
• In addition, any guest who has visited any of the countries listed above in the last 3-6 months will also not be granted permits to enter Sikkim unless cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.

 

 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Welcomes First International Flight

• On November 16, 2024, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands celebrated the arrival of the first international commercial flight at Veer Savarkar International Airport, marking a historic milestone. 
• AirAsia Flight launched direct international services, with an 80% occupancy on the inaugural flight, promising growth in tourism and business. 
• Weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Port Blair will boost the region’s economy and enhance its accessibility, promoting the islands as a prime tourist destination.

 

Decoding Paradise Unexplored

 

 

Experience a Classic Hi-Tea at the Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata

• The Glenburn Penthouse in historic Kolkata offers an exclusive and elegant setting for a delightful hi-tea session, featuring antique Bengal colonial furniture and stunning views of landmarks like the Victoria Memorial. 
• The residence’s drawing and dining rooms are adorned with wallpaper showcasing rural India, while the tea veranda and balcony provide a perfect spot for outdoor dining. 
• Available from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM between September and March, this two-hour experience is ideal for small groups of 2 to 8 people, blending history, culture, and charm.

 

 

Explore the Hidden Gem: Kakoijana Reserve Forest, Assam

• Located in Assam’s Bongaigaon district, Kakoijana Reserve Forest spans 17 square kilometers and is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. 
• The reserve plays a crucial role in protecting the critically endangered Golden Langur and is home to various species, including leopards, wild boars, pangolins, and birds. 
• With plans to become a designated wildlife sanctuary, Kakoijana offers visitors a peaceful retreat, wildlife spotting opportunities, and a chance to experience Assam’s natural beauty away from typical tourist destinations.

 

 

Golf Tour at Royal Calcutta Golf Club

Address : 18, Golf Club Road, Tollygunge, Calcutta-33, Ph:24731288

Distance from airport : 35 kms

Distance from railway station:15 kms

Open: Round the year (Closed on Mondays)

No. of holes: 18

Yardage of the course  :7195/6871 yards

Rating : 73.6 / 72.1

• Founded in 1829 in Dum Dum, Calcutta, the Royal Calcutta Golf Club is India’s oldest and the first golf club outside Great Britain, featuring a course with small greens, water hazards, and strategically placed tanks. 
• The club offers various facilities, including swimming, lawn bowling, tennis, a Pro-Shop, an AC bar and restaurant (The Nineteenth Hole), and changing rooms, with the All India Golf Championship being its biggest event. 
• The best time to visit is between October and March, and outsiders can play if accompanied by a member, as a reciprocal member with a club letter, or by obtaining temporary membership at the club's discretion.

 

 

Experience the Joy Ride of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

• The iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) resumed its toy train service on diesel locomotive from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling on November 17, 2024, after a four-month suspension due to a landslide in July 2024.
• This scenic train journey connects New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, offering stunning views of tea gardens and hills.
• The DHR Steam Locomotive is Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

 

Flavors of the East

 

 

 Thenthuk Soup Recipe

Thenthuk Soup is a Tibetan-style noodle soup popular in Northeast India, made with hand-pulled rice or whole wheat noodles, veggies, and a flavorful broth. The noodles, made fresh at home, give the soup its authentic taste, and it can be prepared with either chicken or vegetable broth.

Ingredients:

For the Noodles

• 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour (Rice Flour can also be used)
• 4 tablespoons Instant Oats (Oatmeal)
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for cooking
• Water, to knead

For the Broth

• 1 Onion, sliced
• 1-inch Ginger, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, chopped
• 1 Tomato, chopped
• 1 Green zucchini, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Red Chilli Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Green Chilli Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce

 

Method:

To Make the Noodles:

• Combine whole wheat flour, instant oats, salt, and water to knead into a soft dough. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
• Roll the dough flat and cut it into thin strips.
• Cover the strips with a cloth to prevent them from drying out until the broth is ready.

To Make the Broth:

• Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onions, ginger, and garlic until the onions turn translucent.
• Add chopped zucchini and sauté until it slightly browns and caramelizes.
• Pour in about 2 cups of water to achieve a soup consistency. Bring it to a boil.
• Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, green chili sauce, and chopped tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

To Make the Soup:

• Once the broth starts boiling, add the noodle strips and stir.
• Optionally, add spinach leaves for extra flavor.
• The noodles will absorb water and thicken the soup.
• Garnish with spring onions and coriander leaves, then serve hot. Enjoy the comforting Thenthuk Soup!

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