Aizawl, Mizoram, India
Its called the KV Paradise monument, but its also referred to as the local Taj Mahal. Aizawl's own monument to love.
Khawlhring and Varte were a couple, happily married and in middle age
. And then suddenly, Varte died in a car accident. Khawlhring had been so distraught that he spent his entire savings and energy in constructing a memorial for her, which now stands in the outskirts of Aizawl on a beautiful hill.
It's a place most visitors to Aizawl , for there's something moving about it. The memorial is simple, calm and quiet. Her memorabilia are all there, including the dress she wore when she met with the accident. Its a place of emotions. He has then also allowed a few other families, who have lost loved ones prematurely, to put up plaques or photographs there. It has also become a symbol of love.
Interestingly, I found a couple of would be brides taking their wedding photos there. Like the Chinese, it appears the Mizos , well before the actual wedding, dress up in wedding finery, hire a professional photographer, go to a chosen beautiful place and get their zillion photographs taken. Its a peculiar custom I cannot understand, but I have seen it happen virtually universally in China
. Here too , it appears. I however thought the KV Paradise monument was an unusual place to choose to do this !
Another interesting story in these parts is that of Ziona. He is listed as the man with the "world's largest existing family". At the last count he had 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters in law and 33 grandchildren all living together in a common household with 100 rooms ! If you are interested in the story and pictures, read here. He lives in Baktwang, about 60kms from Aizawl and reportedly welcomes visitors reveling in his fame. No, I didn't go there !
Its time to move on from Aizawl. I haven't even scratched the surface of Mizoram. I would love it if one of you came here, and blogged about it. I can maybe read what I missed and see it through your eyes.
At one time, Mizoram used to be the most restive land in the country. Militancy was rampant and many shadowy organisations existed
. It is a tribute to the Mizos that they first united all their tribes, found a common political voice, got their autonomy in the state and are now the most peaceful state in the North East. In common with Nagaland, the other predominantly Christian state, they have inculcated the values of education, cleanliness and community spirit. At first sight, they seem to have nicely blended their culture with modernity. There is much to admire in Mizoram and the Mizos.
Have to trace back to Silchar, because going anywhere in these parts is only through this town. Again two days to get to the next state.
The Taj Mahal and other stories
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Aizawl, Mizoram, India
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Comments
2025-05-23
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Vincy Joseph
2015-03-10
The local TajMahal of Mizoram is impressive. Is it their love that is tugging at our heartstrings when we see monuments such as these? I guess anything that is created out of love would do that. Soaking in the love of this couple.
Thank you again Ramesh for opening our eyes to the north eastern states.
BTW Ramesh, you've been bloging non-stop now for more than a month without any excuses. churning it out almost everyday to the delight of your readers, even when you wanted to rest. dont you ever hit the wirters block? ( I hope my comment doesnt trigger that)
Sanjay Balachandran
2015-03-10
Ramesh
it would be good to summarize ur take on how North East vis a vis the people, culture, infrastructure, the good, the bad in comparison to the rest Of India. Maybe ur final post in this series.
To me it feels like the people there are more culturally bonded, very strong community spirit and at many places more balanced in their thinking and practices. As expected the infrastructure is lacking and jobs in short supply. Would be apt to close this blog with ur final take on North East.
Sandhya Sriram
2015-03-10
What is really special about what you write are the pieces that no lonely planet or any travel book would tell you, you can make your readers "feel" a city, how fortunate we are Ramesh, May god give you loads of energy to keep up this spirit.
Shachi
2015-03-10
Although difficult, I've refrained from 'googling' anything about the NE - and have been thoroughly enjoying your posts and wealth of information.
I'd definitely want to visit someday.
Anne in Salem
2015-03-11
To understand bridal pictures at the PV monument, I think you have to think like a woman. The monument stands for eternal love. What bride doesn't dream of that?
I hope you have two days of smooth roads with not a pothole in sight.
Asha
2015-03-11
Oh...very touching tribute to his lady love. btw how old is the varte tale? everything looks so new.....
Ramesh, that Ziona family is famous all over india due to Vim. In vim advt, the women of the family are shown using vim to wash the dishes of the world's largest family. The family were also popular thanks to the logical indian, a site which features the unusual and unsung indians.
indigoite
2015-03-11
@Vincy - Oh I have writers block all the time in my other blog. Here, I feel as if I am travelling along with all of you. I have to tell you about it and you have to encourage me , isn't it :):)
@Sanjay - Oh, I am not sure I am competent to do that, but see today's post for a flavour of how I feel.
@Sandhya - Thank you Thank you Thank you :)
@Shachi - Come here some time. Maybe when R&R are 14 plus :)
@Anne - Oh; is that the way. Fat chance of me understanding a bride's perspective :)
@Asha - Really ??? I had no idea of the Vim ad. Just shows that I watch no TV at all.
Suja
2015-03-12
Am I the only one who finds this kind of 'monument to the dead' disturbing? Nobody thinks it creepy to put up the clothes the lady wore when she had the accident? I am quite amazed that this is considered romantic......
indigoite
2015-03-12
@Suja - I have mixed feelings but not to the extent of creepiness. To each his (her) own, I suppose.