Solung festival of Adi Minyong tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, 6th September, 09
 

The 'Solung' is the main festival of 'Adis' and is a manifestation of the Adis festival cult. There are various stories about its origin, but the most commonly accepted one is that the Adis were asked by Kine-nane, the Goddesses of wealth and prosperity to perform the Solung Puja.

In the Solung they try to propitiate both Doying-Bote and Kine-nane and if they are pleased and satisfied the former will appear in the form of clouds and rains and latter will appear in the form of great fertility of soil. They land together on the surface of the earth where ultimately their union takes place. It is believed that their successful union will lead to high yields of crops, more animals like mithun, pigs etc and ultimately wealth and prosperity for men.

Jungle Travels can arrange tours covering this festival and around these places. Contact the email address jti_tours@rediffmail.com

 
 
 
 
Tokhu Emong festival of Lotha Nagas on 7th November,09
 
The main features of the festival are the community songs, dances, festivities, fun and frolic. The villagers attire themselves in their beautiful traditional dresses and costumes according to their social status. There is an air of gaiety and light heartedness everywhere. Gifts of food and drinks are exchanged during the Festival. Among friends, the number of cooked meat given denotes the depth of friendship and ties. For example, if one man offers 12 pieces of meat to his friend, it shows that he treasures his friendship, it is reciprocated, and he is also offered 12 pieces of meat, it means that the friendship is valued from both sides.

In this case, should any disaster or misfortunes strikes either one of them, both of them will stand by each other no matter what. Thus a friendship of loyalty and fidelity is pledged. In case of mere acquaintances or platonic ones, only 6 pieces of meat are exchanged.

Jungle Travels can arrange tours covering this festival and around these places. Contact the email address jti_tours@rediffmail.com

 
 
 
 
Ngada festival of Rengma nagas 27th of November, 09
 

The Rengmas celebrate eight days of Ngadah festival towards the end of November, just after harvest. It is the festival of thanks giving, merry making and rejoicing. This festival also marks the end of agricultural year. The village High Priest (PHESENGU) announces the date of commencement of the festival at the top of his voice, so that the villagers can prepare themselves for the festival.

Jungle Travels can arrange tours covering this festival and around these places. Contact the email address jti_tours@rediffmail.com

 
 
 
 
SPECIAL RATE……!!
 
Experience Kaziranga National Park, a renowned World Heritage Site during this off season.

Special off season rate for Diphlu River Lodge at Kaziranga, INR 5000/- per room per night.
This price will cover complementary breakfast. Jungle activities and other charges will be extra. This price is valid till 30th September, 2009.

We are now pleased to offer a discounted rate of Rs.5000 per person per night on Jungle Plan for the month of October, 2009 only. Price will include accommodation in air-conditioned cottages, all meals and jeep safari, govt entrance fees, all taxes, services of a Naturalist.

Jungle activities i.e. elephant ride, jeep safari, jungle walk are on forest department permission. Park officially opens from 1st November, 2009.
 
 
 

Picture of Binturong

 
The picture depicts a very rare sighting of Binturong at the Burrapahar Range of the Kaziranga National Park, last season.

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong) is also known as the Asian Bearcat. It is neither a bear nor a cat, and unfortunately the real meaning of the original name is lost, as the local language that gave it that name is now extinct. Its natural habitat is in trees of forest canopy in rainforest of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves, and small animals, such as rodents or birds. Deforestation has greatly reduced its numbers. When cornered, the Binturong can be vicious. The Binturong can make chuckling sounds when it seems to be happy and utter a high-pitched wail if annoyed.