Introducing Kongthong: the Singing Village of India
Famed as the Singing Village, Kongthong is a popular tourist destination located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. More than the picturesque views that the village possess, this place is known for something that makes it one of its kind. This unique attribute is its culture of inhabitants who practise the whistled language “Jingrwai lawbei” meaning “melody sung in respect of the root ancestress.”
When a baby is born, the mother assigns a unique whistling melody that becomes the child’s lifelong identity. This tune is not merely a name but a melodic call understood exclusively by the villagers. This matriarchal practice involves the mother repeatedly humming or whistling the specific tune, allowing the child to recognize it as they grow. Each child receives a unique lullaby that serves as their name, which is then used by everyone in the community. Each jingrwai Iawbei has both a shorter and longer version, ensuring that each person’s identity is as unique as their melody. This unique way of communication attracts tourists as well as researchers from across the globe.
Apart from its unique language, the village of Kongthong is also popular for the remarkable living root bridges, water falls as well as geographical formations such as the Jingkieng Myor, which is a natural stone bridge connecting two cliffs with Wah Sohra River.
Some popular tourist attractions in the region include Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Mawkdok Dympep valley, Laitlum Canyons, Wah Kaba Falls and honey bee farms. Notable to mention, Kongthong was India’s one of 3 entries for United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s World’s Best Village award in 2021. The Government of India is also trying to obtain the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for the village.
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