THE EAGLENEST WILDLIFE Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district is known as the land of the Bugun Liocichla, a critically endangered bird first spotted in 1995 and described in 2006.
While the Bugun Liocichla is the star among the birdwatchers who flock to this mecca of biodiversity, the locals keep their ears trained for the "srik srik srik" of the short-billed yellow-rumped honeyguide that leads them to hidden reserves of honey in the forest.
In March and April, the forests in the sanctuary are ablaze with rhododendrons in full bloom. The bees feed on the pollen of the Rhododendron arboreum, a species found in abundance here, and produce honey that packs a hallucinogenic punch.
This highly-prized "mad honey," as it is called, has a slightly bitter taste and a reddish colour.
A Living Tradition
Chumbi Megeji, one of the last honey collectors (or chilopa) in the area surrounding Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, has a particular fondness for the flavour of the honey produced by this flower species. He belongs to the Shertukpen community of Thungre village in West Kameng district, and is bound by the traditional rules that govern a chilopa. He has to first sing to the bees and then to the wax-eating yellow-rumped honeyguide. He cannot be called by name and sleeps on a bed of leaves in the forest when collecting honey.
A honey collection journey can take five days, with around 20 to 30 people heading together into the forest. Only four honey collectors are left in Megeji’s village, and each clan has a designated mountain from which they harvest honey.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?
Love The Himalayas, But Worried About Its Future? Hear From Three Experts On The Future Of The Region And How It Can Be Protected
EATING MINDFULLY
SUNITA NARAIN FROM THE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK WHICH COMBINES THE JOYS OF EATING WITH CARE FOR THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE WHO TILL THEM
The Jewels Of Costa Rica
A Long-time Birdwatcher Describes His Travels To The Lush Rainforests Of Costa Rica
WINGED WONDERS
The story of migrating birds is the story of a promise to return, flying thousands of miles beset with dangers.
THE LOOMINARIES
THE ROLE OF THE GREAT REVIVALISTS WHO GAVE INDIA'S TEXTILES A NEW LEASE ON LIFE CANNOT BE STATED ENOUGH. WE TRACE THEIR CELEBRATED LEGACY
KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT
FROM REVIVING TRADITIONAL WEAVES TO CONTEMPORISING THEM WITH MODERN SILHOUETTES, THESE DESIGNERS ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING THE LOOM TURNING WITH A FRESH TAKE ON HERITAGE TEXTILES
SONGS OF THE SOIL
WITH INDIGENOUS TEXTILES FACING THE WRATH OF FAST FASHION AND CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIAN DESIGNERS ARE RALLYING TO REVIVE AND PRESERVE THESE PRECIOUS WEAVES
CRAFT CRUSADER
THROUGH HER TEXTILE EXPLORATIONS ACROSS INDIA, DR PRITHA DASMAHAPATRA HAS BEEN PRESERVING ANCIENT CRAFTS, EMPOWERING ARTISANS, AND INSPIRING TRAVELLERS TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF HYPERLOCAL EXPERIENCES
ON THE GRID
THE VIBRANT MADRAS CHECKS, NATIVE TO SOUTHEASTERN INDIA, HAS NOT JUST TRANSCENDED BORDERS BUT ALSO TRADITIONS AND STYLES
GOLDEN SILK
THE PROPERTIES THAT MAKE MUGA SILK UNIQUE COULD SEE IT BEING USED IN THE BIOFUELS AND MEDICINES OF THE FUTURE