High Resolution Image of Along, Arunachal Pradesh in Google Earth!

No, I'm not kidding. Indeed, Google Earth has finally uploaded high resolution satellite imagery of Along Township (See the snapshots below), which I guess, is the first time that Google Earth has done for any township of Arunachal Pradesh.



Earlier, all that can be seen of any township of Arunachal Pradesh in Google Earth was just a blurry image. With this, shall we hope that high resolution images of other township of the state would be uploaded by Google Earth in near future? Waiting for that to happen and to see high resolution satellite imagery of Ziro/Hapoli township.

Now, that Google Earth has uploaded images of Along Township, denizens of Along- go...go..explore and locate your houses :)

P.S.: I had been to Along once and that too for a period of some hours only, as such I don't have much idea of Along Township. So folks explore for yourself.

High Resolution Image of Along, Arunachal Pradesh in Google Earth!

No, I'm not kidding. Indeed, Google Earth has finally uploaded high resolution satellite imagery of Along Township (See the snapshots below), which I guess, is the first time that Google Earth has done for any township of Arunachal Pradesh.



Earlier, all that can be seen of any township of Arunachal Pradesh in Google Earth was just a blurry image. With this, shall we hope that high resolution images of other township of the state would be uploaded by Google Earth in near future? Waiting for that to happen and to see high resolution satellite imagery of Ziro/Hapoli township.

Now, that Google Earth has uploaded images of Along Township, denizens of Along- go...go..explore and locate your houses :)

P.S.: I had been to Along once and that too for a period of some hours only, as such I don't have much idea of Along Township. So folks explore for yourself.

Myoko Hiatus...

Guess, those regular visitor to AD (Arunachal Diary) might have noticed the considerable decline in frequency of postings, these past few weeks-the reason being the forthcoming 'Myoko' Celebration which begins this 20^th for Hari and Bulla villages. And this decline in frequency of posting is there to remain for a while till the completion of 'Myoko' Celebration i.e., first week of April.

Till then, have fun and keep well.

"Happy Myoko to all".

Myoko Hiatus...

Guess, those regular visitor to AD (Arunachal Diary) might have noticed the considerable decline in frequency of postings, these past few weeks-the reason being the forthcoming 'Myoko' Celebration which begins this 20^th for Hari and Bulla villages. And this decline in frequency of posting is there to remain for a while till the completion of 'Myoko' Celebration i.e., first week of April.

Till then, have fun and keep well.

"Happy Myoko to all".

Yet another Volcano like Eruption at Arunachal

The unexplained geological activity on the night of 21^st August, 2007 near Kimin hasn’t subsided from the memory of the people yet, when news of similar volcano like eruption has been reported near Kamrung village of Kurung Kumey district.

“A volcano-like explosion of huge force occurred near Kamrung village here on February 18 at around 4.30 pm, burning trees and grasses leaving 2-3 sq. ft. holes in the ground, according to a release.

Two men-Geda Beelo and Khyoda Tasso-who happened to be resting on the spot at the time were thrown away as a result of the explosion.”

-Arunachal Front (8^th March issue)

It has also been reported that this explosion is not of the first kind that occurred in the area but similar explosion occurred at the same spot during the same month in the year 2001. The impact that time was such that there was a localized earthquake, a landslide nearby and a 40 sq. mtr. crack in the ground. The government, on their part at that time had just compensated the villager with INR 600,000 to shift from that location.

After the 21^st August, 2007 eruption at Kimin and this reported eruption which may or may not be volcanic in nature or may just be a fumaroles (only geologists alone can tell), guess it's time that government give a thought to initiate a proper geological study to unearth the cause behind all this unexplained geological activities before the geological activities deep inside the earth wrecks havoc without a warning.

Yet another Volcano like Eruption at Arunachal

The unexplained geological activity on the night of 21^st August, 2007 near Kimin hasn’t subsided from the memory of the people yet, when news of similar volcano like eruption has been reported near Kamrung village of Kurung Kumey district.

“A volcano-like explosion of huge force occurred near Kamrung village here on February 18 at around 4.30 pm, burning trees and grasses leaving 2-3 sq. ft. holes in the ground, according to a release.

Two men-Geda Beelo and Khyoda Tasso-who happened to be resting on the spot at the time were thrown away as a result of the explosion.”

-Arunachal Front (8^th March issue)

It has also been reported that this explosion is not of the first kind that occurred in the area but similar explosion occurred at the same spot during the same month in the year 2001. The impact that time was such that there was a localized earthquake, a landslide nearby and a 40 sq. mtr. crack in the ground. The government, on their part at that time had just compensated the villager with INR 600,000 to shift from that location.

After the 21^st August, 2007 eruption at Kimin and this reported eruption which may or may not be volcanic in nature or may just be a fumaroles (only geologists alone can tell), guess it's time that government give a thought to initiate a proper geological study to unearth the cause behind all this unexplained geological activities before the geological activities deep inside the earth wrecks havoc without a warning.

Maha Shiva Ratri at Kardo-A Photo feature

The last Thursday being Maha Shiva Ratri, the colleagues at work decided to pay a visit to the Shiva Lingam at Kardo, some 3-4 km away from Hao Polyang (Hapoli) Township and they asked me if I could join them. So, I tagged along with them; not because the devotion in me prodded me-I am an atheist in fact, but because I wanted to see if there was any change since my last visit to Kardo and how the devotees observes Maha-Shiva Ratri.

And change-it was all there to see written all over the trees, quite literally. It was nice to see that the Kardo Committee looking after the place is quite environment conscious and they students of Tajang, Duta, Hija, TDP and Gandhi Schools under the banner of Future Club had put placards all along the way to not to pollute the environment. Kudos to them for their environment conciousness. I only wondered how much the devotees paying visit to the Lingam pays heed to their request.

[Environment Message]

Another change from my last visit was presence of vendors selling puja items and eatables all along the way to the Lingam-which I guess was perhaps on the anticipation of huge number of devotees turning out to offer their prayer that day and in turn a good business for them.

[Selling Puja Items]

And true to their anticipation, large number of Shiviites turned up to offer their prayers, sometimes even making it impossible to make way for each other in the narrow, muddy and slippery track leading to the Lingam. I am all praise for those devotees-young and old alike, who made this tiresome uphill trek all for their devotion to Shiva and their zeal to offer prayer to him on Maha Shiva Ratri. (It’s been 2 days since the visit to Kardo, but still my muscles are aching)

[The Devotees]

After near about 45 minutes trek, we reached the spot. My colleagues went on to offer their prayers and while they were busy offering their prayers, I was busy capturing with my camera.

[Trishul]

Just near the entrance to the puja sthall, my attention was caught by this sadhu. When I approached him, he very enthusiastically obliged to be photographed.

While photographing him one thought was doing round my mind, what purpose he might have shown for his visit while applying for ILP (Inner Line Permit). Was it a tourist permit or a work permit?

[Devotees offering their prayers]

The turn out of the devotees being large it took around 30 minutes for my colleagues to get their turn to offer their prayers. One of my colleague, after observing so many locals making part of the devotees who came to offer prayer, remarked, "Now, one cannot deny that Hinduism has made inroad into the Apatani society and it wouldn’t be long when majority will be Hindu." I couldn’t agree more than him. When Donyi-Poloism is being equated with Hinduism or as a branch of Hindu, is there anyone left who is not a Hindu?.

Having offered their prayers we climbed downhill. Finally, after near about 2 and a ½ hours since we started the trek we came down to foothill, all satisfied.

I’m leaving you with this photograph of view of Hapoli Township shot from the place just before you make ascent to Kardo.

[View of Hao-Polyang Township]

Maha Shiva Ratri at Kardo-A Photo feature

The last Thursday being Maha Shiva Ratri, the colleagues at work decided to pay a visit to the Shiva Lingam at Kardo, some 3-4 km away from Hao Polyang (Hapoli) Township and they asked me if I could join them. So, I tagged along with them; not because the devotion in me prodded me-I am an atheist in fact, but because I wanted to see if there was any change since my last visit to Kardo and how the devotees observes Maha-Shiva Ratri.

And change-it was all there to see written all over the trees, quite literally. It was nice to see that the Kardo Committee looking after the place is quite environment conscious and they students of Tajang, Duta, Hija, TDP and Gandhi Schools under the banner of Future Club had put placards all along the way to not to pollute the environment. Kudos to them for their environment conciousness. I only wondered how much the devotees paying visit to the Lingam pays heed to their request.

[Environment Message]

Another change from my last visit was presence of vendors selling puja items and eatables all along the way to the Lingam-which I guess was perhaps on the anticipation of huge number of devotees turning out to offer their prayer that day and in turn a good business for them.

[Selling Puja Items]

And true to their anticipation, large number of Shiviites turned up to offer their prayers, sometimes even making it impossible to make way for each other in the narrow, muddy and slippery track leading to the Lingam. I am all praise for those devotees-young and old alike, who made this tiresome uphill trek all for their devotion to Shiva and their zeal to offer prayer to him on Maha Shiva Ratri. (It’s been 2 days since the visit to Kardo, but still my muscles are aching)

[The Devotees]

After near about 45 minutes trek, we reached the spot. My colleagues went on to offer their prayers and while they were busy offering their prayers, I was busy capturing with my camera.

[Trishul]

Just near the entrance to the puja sthall, my attention was caught by this sadhu. When I approached him, he very enthusiastically obliged to be photographed.

While photographing him one thought was doing round my mind, what purpose he might have shown for his visit while applying for ILP (Inner Line Permit). Was it a tourist permit or a work permit?

[Devotees offering their prayers]

The turn out of the devotees being large it took around 30 minutes for my colleagues to get their turn to offer their prayers. One of my colleague, after observing so many locals making part of the devotees who came to offer prayer, remarked, "Now, one cannot deny that Hinduism has made inroad into the Apatani society and it wouldn’t be long when majority will be Hindu." I couldn’t agree more than him. When Donyi-Poloism is being equated with Hinduism or as a branch of Hindu, is there anyone left who is not a Hindu?.

Having offered their prayers we climbed downhill. Finally, after near about 2 and a ½ hours since we started the trek we came down to foothill, all satisfied.

I’m leaving you with this photograph of view of Hapoli Township shot from the place just before you make ascent to Kardo.

[View of Hao-Polyang Township]

WW-II Bombs and Mortars unearthed at Jairampur

Arif Siddiqui Jairampur

Jairampur 1 March: Accidently, another historically significant ditch filled with WW-II remnants has been recovered here, today. The remnants were found while digging inside the house of a local resident in the main township just adjacent to Govt. Primary school at Jairampur. It is said that within the four circles namely Nampong, Jairampur, Manmao and Rima-Putok, such finding of importance has been sighted in several venues on several occasions but never in such huge quantities at one place. Earlier, such cases of discovery have been highlighted, materials like bullets, bottles, empty cans etc of WW-II era are commonly found while digging or tracking the woods.

[Recovered Hand Granades and Mortar ]

[A Mud wrapped Hand Granade ]

The news of the discovery spread like a wild fire, all the denizens of the township thronged the location, the house of Mrs. Khipnon Ronrang, who dwells near the Govt. Sec. School and works as a peon in the nearby Govt. Primary School to witness the unearthing of history gone by. 2 nos of 36-Hand grenade and 27 nos of 2-Inch mortar bomb as identified by the Assam Rifles personnel have been recovered so far. Further digging might unearth many more such artifacts of WW-II epoch.

WW-II Bombs and Mortars unearthed at Jairampur

Arif Siddiqui Jairampur

Jairampur 1 March: Accidently, another historically significant ditch filled with WW-II remnants has been recovered here, today. The remnants were found while digging inside the house of a local resident in the main township just adjacent to Govt. Primary school at Jairampur. It is said that within the four circles namely Nampong, Jairampur, Manmao and Rima-Putok, such finding of importance has been sighted in several venues on several occasions but never in such huge quantities at one place. Earlier, such cases of discovery have been highlighted, materials like bullets, bottles, empty cans etc of WW-II era are commonly found while digging or tracking the woods.

[Recovered Hand Granades and Mortar ]

[A Mud wrapped Hand Granade ]

The news of the discovery spread like a wild fire, all the denizens of the township thronged the location, the house of Mrs. Khipnon Ronrang, who dwells near the Govt. Sec. School and works as a peon in the nearby Govt. Primary School to witness the unearthing of history gone by. 2 nos of 36-Hand grenade and 27 nos of 2-Inch mortar bomb as identified by the Assam Rifles personnel have been recovered so far. Further digging might unearth many more such artifacts of WW-II epoch.

Construction of Lapang and Erection of Babo in Apatani Community-A Photo Feature

Seldom do I visit the countryside except on ceremonial occasions. But when I do, I can’t help myself from being enthralled by its serenity and its unspoiled beauty devoid of any urban interference, where the nature is at it’s rawest best. (Sometimes, I do feel why not get settled in this peaceful environment ;)?)

[The Countryside]

And this past weekend was such an occasion when I had to visit the countryside; for ‘Lapang’ had to be constructed and ‘Babo’ erected in connection with the ‘Myoko’ ceremony which begins this 20^th. Apart from time for construction of Lapang and erection of Babo by the Myoko celebrating village(s) (Myoko festival is celebrated in turn by the villages), it is also the time when nurseries are prepared for rice saplings to sprout.

[The Nursery]

The construction of Lapang begins as early as from Murung Pullo i.e., the month of January, if there is any member of the clan performing Murung ritual and upto the first week of Myoko Pullo i.e., the month of March. [Here in this post, I wouldn’t be going deep into the myth associated with the Lapang and Babo or it’s significance. I’m reserving it for some other post :).]

[Lapang under construction]

After the construction of Lapang, it was turn for Babo to be erected. For the details of parts of Babo see this article 'Babo in Tanii (Apatani) Culture'.

[Babo being pulled up]

[Pull Harder]

[I'm up!]

Now that Babo is up, who would volunteer to climb up the Babo to release the ropes used for pulling it up? Well, this gentleman volunteered and climbed all up to the 'Tapiir' of Babo and released the ropes.

[Am I Spidey?]

For more pics on the event, I'm embedding a slide show below. Enjoy!

Construction of Lapang and Erection of Babo in Apatani Community-A Photo Feature

Seldom do I visit the countryside except on ceremonial occasions. But when I do, I can’t help myself from being enthralled by its serenity and its unspoiled beauty devoid of any urban interference, where the nature is at it’s rawest best. (Sometimes, I do feel why not get settled in this peaceful environment ;)?)

[The Countryside]

And this past weekend was such an occasion when I had to visit the countryside; for ‘Lapang’ had to be constructed and ‘Babo’ erected in connection with the ‘Myoko’ ceremony which begins this 20^th. Apart from time for construction of Lapang and erection of Babo by the Myoko celebrating village(s) (Myoko festival is celebrated in turn by the villages), it is also the time when nurseries are prepared for rice saplings to sprout.

[The Nursery]

The construction of Lapang begins as early as from Murung Pullo i.e., the month of January, if there is any member of the clan performing Murung ritual and upto the first week of Myoko Pullo i.e., the month of March. [Here in this post, I wouldn’t be going deep into the myth associated with the Lapang and Babo or it’s significance. I’m reserving it for some other post :).]

[Lapang under construction]

After the construction of Lapang, it was turn for Babo to be erected. For the details of parts of Babo see this article 'Babo in Tanii (Apatani) Culture'.

[Babo being pulled up]

[Pull Harder]

[I'm up!]

Now that Babo is up, who would volunteer to climb up the Babo to release the ropes used for pulling it up? Well, this gentleman volunteered and climbed all up to the 'Tapiir' of Babo and released the ropes.

[Am I Spidey?]

For more pics on the event, I'm embedding a slide show below. Enjoy!