In Photos: High Tea With Elephants

The article discusses the issue of human-animal conflicts in Assam's tea estates, which are often damaged by elephants during their migration. Unlike other districts that use methods like firing crackers, digging ditches, using pesticides, and electric fencing to deter elephants, the tea gardens in Udalguri district adopt a unique approach. They avoid using harmful chemicals and instead grow vegetation that is suitable for the elephants' diet, thereby protecting the animals while they pass through the tea estates. This approach highlights a harmonious method of dealing with wildlife while preventing property damage.

Rush Hour

Bogamati, known for its white sand and scenic beauty, is a prime destination for adventure and nature enthusiasts. The Green Trek and Adventure Group, led by mountaineer Julima Deka, offers activities like white water rafting, zip lining, and hiking. The area is also ideal for camping and is close to the Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rare species like the hispid hare and pygmy hog. The best time to visit for these activities is between September and March. Bogamati is accessible from Guwahati by road and has nearby railway stations at Khoirabari and Rangia.

Home Truths

A typical Bodo homestead is built around a central courtyard called 'cisla' with the principal house, 'nomano', divided into three parts: kitchen ('iching'), dining hall ('okhong'), and master bedroom ('khophra'). The iching is the most important part, used for cooking and worship, with an altar for the deities Bathou Borai and Mainao Buroi. The Bodos value privacy, evident in their separate guest house ('chhwrano'). The homestead also includes a barn ('bakhri') and a cowshed ('goli'), with various beliefs and rituals attached to the structures. The orientation and construction of the houses follow traditional prescriptions.

Natural Rhythms Of Bagurumba

Bagurumba, a traditional dance of the Bodos, mimics the gentle flapping of butterflies and is deeply influenced by nature. Performed during celebrations, especially the Bwishagu festival in April, it features dancers in vibrant attire moving in harmony to traditional Bodo instruments. The dance, believed to be over a thousand years old, reflects the Bodo people's connection with nature and celebrates human relationships and joy.

Sacred Spaces Of Bodoland

The Mahamaya temple in Kokrajhar district of Bodoland Territorial Region is a significant religious site for Hindus, attracting numerous pilgrims and tourists annually. Known as one of Assam's greatest shakti peethas, the temple has a rich history and traditions, including a 400-year-old practice of animal sacrifice during Durga Puja. The temple is also a focal point during the Sat Bisoma Mela in April. Nearby, the Snaan ghat temple, built in 1993, features 14 temples and hosts the annual Shakti Yagya in January. The Mahamaya temple is accessible by road and train from Guwahati.

In Photos: High Tea With Elephants

Tea estates in Assam face damage from migrating elephants, leading to human-animal conflicts. Traditional methods to deter elephants include harmful practices like firing crackers and using pesticides. However, in Udalguri district, farmers like Tensing Bodosa adopt innovative measures to protect elephants by growing suitable vegetation and providing water facilities, reducing the risk of conflict and injury.