Been to this Hill Station called Haflong, a small town located some 310 kilometres away from the city of Guwahati (Dispur, the capital of Assam is in this city).
Haflong is the place I was brought up in. When my Dad got retired earlier this year, I got a chance to visit the town, once for the last time before we could leave the place for good. I plan to go there again.
I was out for a shoot one early day when I met this group of people in their house early in the morning. I call this story, Play House.
I couldn't give a better name then. I spoke to all of them but I can't really think of a story. Something in particular that could be the crux of my first experience with them. There is a lot that comes in my mind. And I am unable to cut through something that could put everything together.
All I know is they were happy. The women didn't look like their wives. Neither did I feel right to ask them. They were happy and dancing, and careless and free.
As I took out my camera to shoot them, they started dancing and singing their folk song. Their voice made it difficult to understand the language -- not that I could make out -- but it could clearly be understood that they were drunk. One of their friends who was sleeping got up and joined the rest of them. The ladies' hesitated to dance but they kept encouraging the three men in the house.
A little girl is seen baffled but by the looks of it, she didn't seem to be experiencing the incident for the first time. It was the daughter of one the friends.
I am really interested to meet this young girl again. Her sisters' -- two of the elder ones -- study in Guwahati.
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Few friends celebrate birthday together as they indulge in
some country side liquor. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
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Few friends celebrate birthday together as they indulge in
some country side liquor. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
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Country side liquor is still very popular amongst people
from the hills. People living in the North East part of India has easy access
to this drink made mostly out of rice. For many it's also a daily source of
income for they sell them as a daily ware. Hence, the supply chain reaction works so well. I
met this group of friends during my recent visit to Haflong.
Haflong is a small station in
Assam. Just about 320 kilometers from Dispur, the Captial of Assam, the place
is nurtured amongst the picturesque beauty of the Barail range.
However, the place has been plagued by insurgency and social unrest for many, many years now. Because a very badly shaped socio economic curve, people in Haflong has been living with a huge income difference.
However, the place has been plagued by insurgency and social unrest for many, many years now. Because a very badly shaped socio economic curve, people in Haflong has been living with a huge income difference.
Economic scenario of Dima Hasao district is not very
encouraging. Geographical remoteness coupled with poor communication, as well
as infra-structural facilities are the main factors behind the low level of
development.
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Few friends celebrate birthday together as they indulge in
some country side liquor. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
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A girl watches as her father celebrates his birthday with
his friends. She is the youngest daughters of all three. Her sisters live in
Guwahati who are pursuing their higher studies | © copyright nishal lama
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A friend is seen sleeping while the two of his friends dance to the tunes of a local folk song. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
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Few friends celebrate birthday together as they indulge in
some country side liquor. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
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Certificates of excellence adorn the walls | © copyright nishal lama
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Few friends celebrate birthday together as they indulge in
some country side liquor. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
|
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Few friends celebrate birthday together as they indulge in
some country side liquor. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
|
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Few friends celebrate birthday together as they indulge in
some country side liquor. Shot this in
Haflong (Dima Hasao District), Assam | © copyright nishal lama
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