Rising Stories in the East - October Edition

Dear Travel Partners,

Upcoming Events

Durga Puja

Date: (09th October - 12th October, 2024)

Celebrated at: All over India

Significance: Durga Puja stands as one of the most magnificent festivals in the region, particularly renowned in Kolkata for its grandeur and deep-rooted faith symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Kolkata witnesses an unprecedented surge in festivities during these days, with streets bustling with fervent energy, amplifying the already bustling at- mosphere. Amidst the hustle, people indulge in last-minute shopping sprees and embark on pilgrimages to the myriad exquisitely crafted pan- dals that embellish the city. These meticulously designed structures, drawing admiration from global visitors, infuse Kolkata with a vibrant spirit, transforming it into a lively hub of jubilant celebration throughout the ten-day extravaganza.

Dashain/ Tihar

Date: 10th-16th October/1st November - 3rd November

Celebrated at: Sikkim/Darjeeling

Significance: Dashain is celebrated enthusiastically in Darjeeling and Sikkim, highlighting the region's Nepali cultural heritage. It involves family reunions, worship of Goddess Durga, home decorations, and the application of tika by elders (a red vermilion mark). The festivities feature processions, fairs, and cultural programs, with the traditional Linge Ping swing symbolizing a connection to Shiva Linga. Following Dashain, Tihar, the festival of lights, honors animals like crows, dogs, and cows for their contributions to life. The festival ends with Bhai Tika, where sisters bless their brothers. Deusi and Bhailo, traditional songs, are performed Bhailo is performed by girls and women on the night of Lakshmi Puja, while Deusi is performed by boys and men the following night during Tihar, en- hancing the community spirit.

Sector Updates

Sualkuchi: Assam's Silk Weaving Hub Recog- nized as a Top Tourism Village in the Craft Cate- gory

• Tourism Recognition: Sualkuchi, a village in Assam, has been recognized by the Ministry of Tourism as one of the best tourism villages in the 'craft category.'
• Silk Weaving Tradition: Known as the "Man-chester of Assam," Sualkuchi is renowned for its vibrant silk weaving industry, specializing in Muga and Eri silk.
• Cultural and Sustainable Tourism: This recog- nition emphasizes Sualkuchi's efforts in pre- serving cultural heritage while promoting sus- tainable tourism, allowing visitors to interact with artisans and experience the silk weaving process firsthand.

Sikkim's Longest and Highest Ropeway at Bha- leydhunga Now Opera-tional

• Sikkim's longest and highest ropeway at Bha- leydhunga officially launched on September 16, 2024, offering scenic rides over the region.
• The ropeway spans 3.5 kilometers, starting at 1,800 meters and rising to 3,500 meters above sea level, providing breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
• With a top speed of 6 meters per second and 18 cabins seating 8 passengers each, the rope- way connects Dhapper to Bhaleydhunga in Namchi, South Sikkim, ensuring a swift journey to the summit.

An Elevated Hostel Ex- perience at Sandakphu - Poshtel, Meghma

• The Poshtel in Meghma the only luxury hotel on the Sandakphu trail, offering a blend of com- fort and adventure. Enjoy private en-suite rooms, cozy dorms, and premium amenities like temperature-controlled rooms, Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk.
• Experience luxury at the only hotel in Sandak- phu, offering Deluxe Rooms, Four-Bedded Female and Mixed Dormitories, Quad Rooms, and Four-Bedded Rooms for ultimate comfort.
• The Alpina Multi-cuisine Restaurant at Posh- tel, Meghma, Sandakphu provides an unparal- leled dining experience. Whether you're fueling up with a robust breakfast before a trek or re- laxing with dinner following a day of explora- tion, the restaurant in Sandakphu is the ideal place to enhance your culinary adventure.

Directorate of IP&T Drafts Policy for Devel- opment and Promotion of Houseboat Tourism in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Draft Houseboat Tourism Policy: The Director- ate of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T) of Andaman & Nicobar Administration has in- troduced a draft policy to promote and regulate houseboat tourism sustainably.
• The policy aims to enhance the tourism expe- rience while ensuring the protection of the is- lands' natural resources.
• Operational Guidelines: Key aspects include adherence to regulations, navigational require- ments, safety standards, and proper sewage treatment practices for houseboat operations.

De-Coding Paradise Unexplored

Wokro: A Serene Desti- nation of Scenic Beauty and Rich Cultural Heri- tage in Arunachal Pradesh

• Cultural Heritage and Scenic Beauty Wokro, located in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, particularly that of the Mishmi tribe, showcased through festivals, dances, and crafts.
• Visitors can explore attractions such as the pilgrimage site Parashuram Kund, natural hot springs, the Lohit River for rafting, and the nearby Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary for wildlife viewing.
• The ideal time to visit Wokro is between Oc- tober and March, when the weather is pleas- ant, and local festivals like Tamladu provide a vibrant mix of nature and culture.

Caravan Tourism: Now in North-East India

• Now explore the stunning landscapes of North- east India with Caravan Tourism, available in Me- ghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Upper Assam, and Dima Hasao. Travel in comfort and discover these beautiful regions like never be- fore. The fleet features three caravan models, each with a driver.
• Sprinter: Compact and ideal for 2 adults and 2 kids, equipped with a kitchenette and washroom. Wanderer: Mid-size, accommodating 4 adults and 2 kids, featuring bunk beds, a TV, and outdoor dining.
• Voyager: Large luxury caravan for 6 adults, fully equipped with 3 queen-size beds, two air condi- tioners, and outdoor facilities. Each caravan en- sures comfort with power backup, air condition- ing, and heating systems, making travel conve- nient and enjoyable.

Pingla Excursion In south Bengal

• Location: Pingla, Paschim Medinipur, approx. 150 km from Kolkata.
• Cultural Heritage: Home to 250 Patachitra painters (Patuas) known for storytelling through vibrant scrolls.
• Rural Craft Hub: Developed in partnership with UNESCO, featuring a Community Museum.

Activities:

• Village Tour: Explore beautifully painted walls and color trails.
• Workshops: Learn to make natural colors and paints.
• Community Museum: Witness rare vintage scrolls and diverse artisan products (T-shirts, hand fans, lamps, bags, umbrellas).
• Mat Weaving: Visit mat weavers in Sabang or Pingla for traditional craftsmanship.

Cycling tour in East Kol- kata Wetlands

• Location: Central Kolkata.
• Duration of the tour: Upto 0203 Hours.
• Best Time/Period of Travel: Start at 06:00 hrs. in a Morning/from September to March.
• Minimum/Maximum group strength: Min 02 Pax to 06 Pax.
• Guide Mandatory: Yes, local tour coordinator/ expert is must
• Description: Join a delightful 2-3 hour cycling trip through Kolkata's East Wetlands, an unex- plored paradise featuring winding roads, fish ponds, and lush greenery. Discover the area's unique biodiversity while sipping on a hot cup of local tea amidst nature's beauty. Experience why Kolkata's wetlands are vital to the city's econo- my!

Flavours Of the East

A traditional Nepali and Sikkimese dish that one must try is Selroti and Gorkhey Achar.

SELROTI: Selroti is a ring-shaped rice bread, commonly made during fes- tivals like Tihar and Dashain. It has a crispy exterior and a soft, mildly sweet interior. The batter, made from rice, sugar, and cardamom, is deep-fried in circular shapes, creating its iconic form.

• Soak rice overnight or for 5-6 hours.
• Blend rice with milk into a smooth paste.
• Add sugar, cardamom, and salt.
• Heat oil/ghee, shape batter into rings, and fry until golden.
• Drain excess oil and serve with achar or tea.

GORKHEY ACHAR: Gorkhey Achar is a tangy and spicy pickle made from boil cubed potatoes, onions, cucumber, roasted peanuts, sesame seed powder, chillies, salt, chilli powder, lemon juice and timur (Sichuan pepper). It is typically served with selroti or rice, offering a sharp, fla- vourful contrast to the sweetness of the selroti.

• Boil cubed potatoes, onions, and cucumber.
• Roast and grind peanuts and sesame seeds.
• Mix veggies with peanut and sesame powder.
• Add chilies, salt, chili powder, timur, and lemon juice.
• Toss, garnish with coriander, and serve with selroti or rice.