Guwahati: Meghalaya’s Kongthong Village may have skipped Shakespeare class because they take great pride in having the most unusual names in the world.
One of the most intriguing spots you’ll visit in India is definitely this village. Kongthong, a small community of around 600 people in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills lies about 60 kilometres from the state’s capital, Shillong.
The village is a fantastic ecotourism destination in Meghalaya due to its self-sustaining economy and untouched natural beauty but that is not why we are here. Even while ecotourism and the natural world sound wonderful, the village’s distinctive tradition piqued our interest. The names of the villagers are songs.
Since it is something they can relate to and has existed for many generations, we do not refer to it as odd. It’s amazing to learn about Meghalaya’s Whistling Village.
When a kid is born in the village of Kongthong, the mother composes a special song for the baby. Such a lovely custom, where the name of the newborn is determined by the mother’s first impression of the infant after giving birth. I’m at a loss for words if that isn’t lovely. The locals frequently refer to one another by distinctive melodies. But, that isn’t the only name in case you were wondering.
Also, the locals have names that are simpler for everyone to say, such as yours and mine.
This beautiful tradition is called Jingrwai Lawbei, meaning, the Song of the Clan’s First Woman. Only the mothers can give these unique names to their children. And this tradition didn’t just come up because they could belt out a tune or two.
They have actually used this custom for decades to keep in touch with one another across great distances. What do you do to send messages, for instance, if you spend the most of your time in the forest gathering food and other necessities for survival and the geography makes it difficult to communicate easily? You chirp.
They have clever ways of deciphering what the other person is “saying” for whoever the message is.
The long and short forms of each person’s musical name are used in this community. The lengthy one is the name given at birth whereas the abbreviated form is typically used at home. They can say, Call me by my tune, they may say!
It is indeed refreshing to see how beautifully the locals of this village have kept the old tradition alive.