knss news march

prepared to witness the grandeur of our mishing culture.”
he said chirpily.
“In a jiffy”I replied.
In around fifteen minutes I brushed and bathed and
stood ready to witness what else Dhemaji and the tribe had
in store for me.
The tonga stood ready outside my tent.
“Babu this is Ansh and you know Ripun” Katan said
gesturing two gentlemen. They were opposites. While Ansh
was a thin and tall man with a clean shave, Ripun was a
squatty bearded man. Both smiled a greeting.
“lets go, Babu” said Katan said getting ontothe tonga.
As we rode I asked where we were going.
“You’ll see babu. You’ll see.” came the reply.
As we rode, I looked out at the scenic beauty of Dhemaji,
wishing, in wain that Kolkata would looklike this.Paddy
fields and trees shrouded the land scape on either side of
the muddy lane.
“Why cant you settle down here, Babu?” asked Ripun.
“Oh no” I laughed “my family has always been Kolkata”I
said.
“I have seen Kolkata…”Ansh spoke for the first time.”…
The Howrah bridge when I was very young” he said
reflectively.”My father took me when he went to sell his
harvest. It has big houses with flat roofs.”
“Only Atul bhaiyya has such a house here” Ripun
continued.
“Which is where we area going” said Katan merrily.
“Babu you are in luck. The Sun God has gifted you with an
oppurtunity to witness a perfect Mishing wedding”
The short ride was rather enjoyable. We arrived at Atul
bhaiyya’s place, I knew for certain we had as the place had
a festive air about it.
Children ran around playing. The old spoke in loud
voices. Some on seeing me ran for a quick check up and
health questions. Clusters of pretty damsels sat giggling in
a corner.
Suddenly the middle aged women of the tribe began to
sing and dance to the tunes of an authentic Mishing song to
usher the bride. The wedding happened in utmost grandeur.
I greeted the groom and bride. The girls further giggled and
I couldn’t help turning red.
The food was simply breathtaking. I was served
roti,chicken curry and Joha rice(typical Assam rice). In the
midst of the celebrations I was reminded of Priya. I had to
buy her something.
Having said my goodbyes to the guests, I asked Katan
if there was any craft shop around there.
“oh of course Babu. That’s the sole livelihood of the
Mishing women” he said. “You have to buy something for
your sister and friend. I remember.” He smiled.
Bidding Ansh and Ripun goodbyes we set off on another
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ride to the handicraft marts of Dhemaji. The choice was
plenty. I bought a few shawls for my mother and clothing
for my sister. I purchased an antique as a souveneir to gift
my dear friends. Priya loved tribal jewellery. I bought her
a few. I knew they would be mad at me for not making it
to the engagement.
“I could wave this as a sign of appeasement “ I chucked
to myself.
“Babu let me take you to another more beautiful place
in Dhemaji” Katan said.
We rode until I knew what he meant.
The banks of the Brahmaputra. The river sparkled like
diamonds in the sunset. I reclined on the banks and just
admired the purity and sanctity of the river.
“Here is where we see the marvels of Lord Donyi’s(sun
God) creation” Katan said in reverence.
“All of you are so lucky” I said “To live amongst nature
and be a part of it”
“Haha . Babu and look at the irony. People from here
prefer the city” he said.
I sat and watched the dimming skies. Just as fast as
sunrise, Assam sees a quick sunset. Birds were retreating to
their nests. Nature was preparing itself to invite the moon.
“Time to leave Babu. My wife must have prepared
supper. Please join us” he said.
“With pleasure” I said and bidding the scenery a
goodbyes we rode home.
Supper was another marvel of homemade mishing food.
I couldn’t stuff myself enough, because the more I ate the
more I seemed to want. After a glass of milk and some
chatting with Katan I set off remorsefully to pack. It was
sad that it had to end so quickly. I packed at the presents
and clothes and sank on the cot reminiscing and realising I
reached the end of a wonderful camp. Offesring treatments
was a pleasure and the last day just kept replaying. I
remembered I had an early flight to catch and that the airport
was 66km away. Hurriedly dimming the lantern I stupored
off on my cot.
“Babu, its time, get dressed” came Katan’s voice. I woke
rubbing my eyes. I was sorrowful about leaving Dhemaji,
but the joy of seeing my family and friends after a long time
rejuvenated me. Quickly I washed in cold water and set off.
Many of the village folk were present to bid me off. Many
gave me small souvenirs and foodstuffs . they made me
promise I would return. Thanking those wonderful people
we set off to Lakimpur Airport.
It was a long ride and rather quiet. Katan barely spoke.
I looked around and on reaching the town read posters that
said “Fight for Jhansi”. I was wondering what these posters
meant. In a while Katan’s voice came.
“Babu we reached the airport” he said.
And I remembered the first time I met this man here..
when he asked ”Dactar sir?”.
knss news bulletin March 2017