North East of India: How many of you know about the Seven Sisters? I bet not many of you would be familiar with the Seven Sisters of India.
These are the states sharing their state boundaries with each other In the eastern part of the country, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya.
This corridor houses some of the most exhilarating experiences throughout the region, whether flora and fauna, temperature variations, or its discrete culture. And have you ever wondered why it’s the “Sisters” and not “Brothers”? That is because females are given utmost importance and are worshipped in this part of the country.
You wouldn’t hear many cases of irrational conduct with women in this region compared to the other parts of the nation because, for them, women are above all.
So, let us know more about this sisterhood.
Table of Contents
01 Arunachal Pradesh (Earlier known as North-East Frontier Agency)
Did you know that Arunachal Pradesh is termed as “Land of Dawn-lit Mountains”? Sharing its border with Assam and Nagaland, this state is home to several different tribes like Adi, Apatani, Monpa, Nishi, etc., which constitutes 30 languages and more than 60% of its population.
The largest monastery in the country, Tawang Monastery, is also situated in this state. This state has its own culture with festivals like Mopin, Solung, Lossar and its own dance forms like Popir, Aji Lama, and Cham.
02 Nagaland (Land of Festivities)
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The state requires an Inner Line Permit to enter the territory of not 1 or 2 but 16 major tribes. Although every tribe has its own different dialect, the official language here is English.
This mountainous land is also known for breeding the world’s hottest chilies that are hundredths of time hotter than tabasco sauce.
Also, people here are earnest and keen about preserving their culture and traditions. Surprisingly, Nagaland saw a decline in its population over the years by 0.5% (2001-2011), and it’s the only state in this rapidly growing country to witness this marvel.
03 Manipur (World War II Battleground)
The Jewelled Land of India, as it is said, is quite apt for the name because of the solidarity that this state puts in your heart and the soul-stirring feel you get while you are in this region. Mostly covered in the forest, this state has the rarest species of plant and animals and is primarily inhabited by Meeties people, the autochthonous.
Some of the highlighted places that are a must-visit for nature enthusiasts are Dzukou Valley, the Loktak Lake (India’s largest freshwater lake), and Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the only floating national park in the world.
04 Mizoram (Land of Kukis)
Known for its immaculate caves and hills, this state is second least populated and has the second-highest literacy rate after Kerala. Beauty and brains, isn’t it? This land of hilly people is culturally rich with their own festivals like Mim Kut, Pawl Kut, Chapchar Kut, and dance forms like Khuallam, Chheih Lam, Cheraw.
Aizawl (capital of Mizoram) is home to the world’s largest family headed by a guy named Pu Ziona with his 39 wives and 94 children. And did you know that in Mizo Culture, a boy would commodify the bride before marrying her, meaning he would have to pay the girl’s family a certain amount before they both come into the matrimonial alliance.
05 Tripura (Kingdom of Tipara Tribe)
Tripura is 3rd smallest state of India, with its Capital being the second-largest city in the northeast after Guwahati. Mingling hills and plains make it up for pleasing and attractive spots like Jampui hill, Khumlung Teliamura, Pilak, and tranquil villages with simple-minded people and religious beliefs. “Home of Bamboo” is also a term related to this state due to quality bamboos and bamboo products.
Apart from bamboos, this place is also known for its quality production of sweet pineapples, Jack fruit, litchis, oranges, and other good quality fruits.
06 Assam (Gateway to North-East)
The world-famous tea gardens that come to your mind when you think of Northeast India are all here. For nature fanatics, the world’s largest riverine island (Majuli) is situated on Brahmputra, the beauty of which can’t be described in words.
Assam is home to India’s very own One-Horned Rhinoceros and many other endangered Asiatic species. They do have their own festivals as well, but Bihu being the main, is celebrated thrice every year.
Assam is also known for its production of world-famous gold silk called “Muga.” This state is one of the most important and progressive in regard to industrial and nature’s upliftment.
07 Meghalaya (Scotland of the East)
Most picturesque and dazzling of them all, this state offers you mountains full of waterfalls, caves, and dense forests, which can blow you off in an instant when merged with the clouds.
The land here is always drenched in water as this state records the highest amount of rainfall in India. Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong, is also a part of this state. Shillong is the capital and is influenced by British design. This state houses many endangered animals and birds.
Apart from that, it carries various medicinal herbs in its forests.
After the inclusion of Sikkim, Northeast is said to have 8 sisters but since it doesn’t share a border with the other 7, let’s say it’s a distant cousin.
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