World Tourism Day 2019, where I decided to premiere two short films through YouTube – one on adventure and the other on culture – with an eye on their tourism potential for Assam.
10 A.M. Heritage Hills: Haflong
World Tourism Day 2019 YouTube Premiere
Meter gauge railway track that was built by the British way back in the last decade of the 19th century through the most difficult Barail mountains in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, and was always referred to as an engineering marvel, has become history. The zig-zag metre-gauge track whose tunnels and bridges were a major attraction. This was one of the most adventurous, scenic , most beautiful and the most riskiest Meter Gauge Railway track of the Indian Railways.
The British had taken about 16 years to build the track. The Badarpur-Lumding section was a part of the Assam Bengal Railway and was meant to move tea, coal and timber.
From Haflong Hill Railway Station to Harangajao Railway Station, the long distance trekking along the abandoned MG railway tracks is a tough and a pleasurable venture amidst hills, ravines and rivulets comprising of almost 21KMs. Tourists can also explore mysterious valley of Jatinga on the way.
There are 14 tunnels and 10 bridges built on the brooks. At many places the tracks lay dismantled and even the bridges have rusted out. It is risky but adventure demands little bit of risks.
After walking down to Harangajao, 21KM in 6 Hour. We realise Haflong is not a ordinary hill station, it is a heritage of glorius Indian Railways. Here we urge Indian Railways, Assam Tourism and Dima Hasao Tourism to introduce Haflong as Adventure Sports and Tourism Destination.
10:15 A.M. Living Heritage
World Tourism Day 2019 YouTube Premiere
A living heritage — with dance being an integral part of the Sattriya tradition — since the 15th century, when it was introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam. Begun as part of the bhakti tradition, in which the unique dance and its accompanying music offers respect to Krishna by showcasing mythological tales and episodes, Sattriya dance has remained a living tradition in Assam’s Vaishnava monasteries, known as sattras, for over 500 years now.
Uttar Kamalabari Sattra, one of the prominent Vaishnavite monasteries of Majuli Island of Assam. It is the center of culture, art, literature and classical studies for many long years and even continues to do so. Performing art presentation by the monks of Uttar Kamalabari Sattra is a major attraction to the visitors to the river Island.
This dance form is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is an art form that is part of a prayer during ceremonies by the monks.
My World Tourism Day celebrations was a part of UNWTO’s worldwide initiatives. With these two Short Films, I had also participated in a short film competitions organised by Awesome Assam.
Contribution of the Local Media : Jorhat travel blogger’s glimpses into Assam’s heritage sites on YouTube
About My Event In UNWTO’s World Map: YouTube Premiere of Short Film on Sustainable Tourism.
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