Memorable tryst with Thanga island for Spanish tourists

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

A team of eleven tourists from Spain including women stayed at a house at Thanga Ngaram Leikai. They helped in the cooking, ate what the host eat, and enjoyed the state’s traditional dance and sport, to be left fascinated.  

They are from Barcelona, Spain who arrived on August 22.

The tour is organised by Quimet Martinez as a monsoon trail starting from Guwahati Haflong with Dimasa, Hmar and Kukis, Jaintias and Khasis at Meghalaya, Angamis at Nagaland and Meiteis in Manipur.

This kind of trip has been organised before but this is the first time that Manipur has been included.

Host Oinam Maipakchao said that this is a means of sustainable tourism. The locals are empowered and earn revenue from the tourist with whatever they can offer. At the same time providing a homely atmosphere which further educates the tourist about our social bonds and culture is a rewarding experience, he added.

Mapiakchao entertained the tourist educating them of what this land is all about. At the same time, revenue was generated by the residents thus empowering the locals and promoting tourism.

During their stay the tourists were taken to Keibul Lamjao national park. They were lucky enough to watch the Sangai particularly at a time when they are seen coming out very rarely during this season.

The Spaniards expressed their happiness to be able to visit the floating national park, Keibul Lamjao. Besides they were taken to a firoi ceremony in the locality, which introduced them to yet another journey into the ritual ceremonies and the food preparation of community feast. 

They were later taken on the canoes and showed them how the fisher folks lived, how they survive on the lake atop the floating bio-mass. The aquatic plants like heikrak, yelli, thangjing, thambou etc. were gathered and they were shown how the dishes were prepared from them.

They had a sumptuous meal with the local fishermen of Langol Saabi area. After coming back from there the tourist were taken to Thanga island by boat and given a tour.

In the evening, the tourist were shown some cultural shows which commenced with a pena recital, they were also briefed on the importance of the cultural aspects and the importance of the musical instruments.

 A Leima jagoi was also showcased and the tourists were given a brief synopsis about the dance and how it displays the beginning of creation. The evening culminated with a thabal chongba and the Spaniards also joined in with delight. The women were also dressed up in traditional potlois later. The tourist also donated generously to the cultural troops. After the program, they helped in preparing dinner.