Storizen Magazin July 2018 issue Storizen Magazine July 2018 Issue | Page 40

STORIZEN TRAVEL
A family of three,
the gentleman, Siva,
drove us around in
his Maruti car,
showing unexplored
local sights. The
daughter would
bring us our tea in
little porcelain cups
with a lid in the
early morning cold;
tea that we would
sip sitting in the
balcony taking in the
majestic Himalayas
in the distance.
The lady of the
house ensured, we
ate and ate some
more local food for
our three meals and
steaming hot bowls
of maggie in frosty
evenings. Our meals
were usually
accompanied by
tales of their
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folklore, politics,
education system
and economy.
Marriage is an
integral part of
every custom with
unique practices
followed. Their
community in Sikkim
has an interesting
manner of choosing
a bride and groom.
Conventionally, at a
wedding ceremony
in the village, a
circle is formed with
eligible boys and
girls standing
alternatively. Amid
music and dance
and under the
watchful eye of the
elders, if cupid
strikes, the boy asks
the girl if she is
interested. If the
feeling is mutual,
families are
approached. That
was how Siva found
his bride.
She couldn’t help
smiling ear to ear
when her husband
narrated their story.
When it was time to
head back, all three
stood to wave
behind our departing
car like one would
when a family
member is leaving.
The Indian army
stands guard at the
India – China border
in Sikkim at Nathu
La. NathuLa, a
sensitive tourist
spot, needs to be
evacuated either
before 2:00 pm or
before the fog
affects visibility. The
Tri-colour fluttered
against the
Himalayas and it
was difficult to say if
we had goosebumps
because of the
howling wind or the
sombre
JULY 2018