TIMES OF MIZORAM

"Rih Dil is the largest lake in Mizoram, but is situated in Myanmar,” goes the common saying. This is an awkward claim to make, but it is a fact due to arbitrary political boundaries. Rih lake is situated at a distance of about two miles from Tiau which is the boundary river between Mizoram (India) and Myanmar, and is within the village area of Rihkhawdar in Myanmar. The village itself is an establishment of adventure that lures the visitor to explore the mysterious and supposedly demon-haunted lake. It is 14 miles from Champhai in Mizoram and 63 miles from Falam, a town of Myanmar.

Although there has been no exact measurement taken so far, it is approximately one mile long and half a mile wide with a circumference of about three miles. The south-west floor is supposedly deeper than that of the north-west. The peculiar characteristic of the lake is that it becomes abruptly deep immediately after the water’s edge.

The legendary lake is believed to have been the inevitable passage that spirits of the dead crossed on their way to their future abode known as Mitthi Khua. Some even believed it was the final abode of the spirits. The many myths about this mysterious lake have been a source of inspiration for several Mizo writers and composers, and have immensely enriched their literary output. According to legend, there was a girl named Rihi who had a cruel stepmother. One day, the father took Rihi’s younger sister deep into forest and killed her. Rihi eventually found her dead sister and was inconsolable. A good spirit known as Lasi to the Mizos found Rihi weeping and revealed to her the healing powers of a particular magical tree with whose leaf Rihi revived her sister back to life. In order to quench the thirst of her younger sister, Rihi turned herself into a small pool of water with the help of a leaf of the same magical tree. Later, Rihi was compelled to change herself into a white mithun, and wandered around in search of a permanent place where she could be safe. While she was roaming around looking for a safe haven, her urine formed rih note or small lakes wherever she went. It is believed that such lakes can still be found in the Vawmlu Range, Zur forest near the village Natchhawng; a place above Bochung village; the area of Khawthlir village, all of which are in Myanmar. She eventually surveyed Sanzawl village for her permanent settlement not far from which flowed the river “Run”. But the demon spirit of the river threatened to suck her dry if she settled there permanently. It is believed that Rihi then surveyed the valley of Champhai but found that unsuitable too. She finally settled in the present location in the form that she cherished the most – that of a lake. The name Rih retains the name of Rihi.

Located at a distance of about 137kms from Aizawl, Vantawng khawhthla or Vantawng Fall is the highest and most spectacular of all the waterfalls and cascades in the fast flowing rivers of Mizoram. It is located in Vanva river near Thenzawl and is named after Vantawnga who was said to be an excellent swimmer. So good a swimmer was Vantawnga that he could hover in the cascading water like a fish, but unfortunately during one of such performances, a drifting log fell from above and killed him.

The height of the fall is recorded as 750 ft and though it is difficult to get close to it because of the sheer forested hillsides surrounding it, a comfortable viewing tower has been constructed.

Literally “Lake of Mustard”, Tam Dil is situated near Saitual Village, about 110 kms from Aizawl. Having been developed as an important pisciculture centre by the Fisheries Department and a holiday resort by the Tourism Department, this is one of the most frequented lakes in the state. The lake and the surrounding thick forest are home to wide species of trees, plants and animals.

According to folklore, a couple used to have a jhum cultivation in this small valley surrounded by hills, but the man died suddenly and left the woman to look after the crops alone. In the middle of the field, there was a mustard plant that was bigger than the others and one night the widow was told in her dreams by her dead husband to take special care of the mustard plant which would bring her great blessings. She did as she was told, and the plant thrived very well and grew bigger and bigger. After sometime, the widow remarried but her new husband did not like her to keep anything that would remind her of her former husband and so he pulled the plant up by roots and threw it away. Out of the hole thus left in the ground water flowed out immediately and filled the valley to become a large and beautiful lake.

Palak Dil or Palak Lake is the largest natural lake in Mizoram and is situated near Phura village which is about 391 kms to the south of Aizawl. Oval in shape, it covers about 1 square km and is surrounded by lush virgin forests rich in flora and fauna.

Legends abound the origin of the lake. One version says that before the lake was formed, there used to be a big village here and a large serpent lived in a cavern in the vicinity and occasionally stole the villager’s livestock. When it started stealing their children, the villagers decided to kill the serpent. Using a huge fish hook and a dead goat for bait, they managed to catch and kill the serpent and distributed its meat to every household for dinner. That night strange things began to happen. A widow living with her two children got the serpent’s head as her share and started cooking it in a big pot. After sometime, when she looked into the boiling pot, she found that the eyes of the serpent was blinking, rolling and watching her. Frightened and horrified, she threw out the pot with the serpent’s head still inside it. Later on, she heard strange noises and ran out of the house to find her doorsteps being flooded with water which continued to rise. She took her children and ran away just before the water submerged the whole village. All the other inhabitants were drowned while they were sleeping and the water formed a wide lake that has come to be called Palak Dil.

Legends aside, nature lovers are attracted by the surprisingly great variety of wildlife to be found in this remote area adjoining the Myanmar forests. It is a home to most of the common wetland birds and hill birds, and is believed to be a winter stop-over for migrating Pintail Duck while a few elephants still roam the surrounding virgin forests. Though a jeepable road connects Palak Lake from Phura, care has been taken to maintain and preserve the area in its pristine environmental state.

Reiek is a mountain and tourist spot 29 km from Aizawl, Mizoram, India. It rests at an elevation of 1548 metres overlooking Aizawl and offers a view of the surrounding valleys and hills. On a clear day the plains of Bangladesh can be seen from the top of the hill. Reiek Hill is surrounded by thick lush green temperate trees and bushes.

Heritage village

Reiek has a typical Mizo village consisting of the distinctive traditional huts of the different Mizo sub-tribes, Mizo chieftain’s house, a bachelor’s dormitory and that of a widow has been created and maintained Govt. of Mizoram. The houses are fully furnished giving the visitor a peek into the glorious past of the valiant highlanders. A few Mizo modern houses have also been constructed nearby to show the changes that have taken place in the Mizo way of life in keeping pace with the modern developments. A cafeteria and a resort providing decent food and accommodation. This is also the venue for the annual Anthurium festival and the best time to visit would be in April.

Anthurium Festival

Anthurium Festival is a festival promoting Anthurium grown in Mizoram and the rich Mizo customs and traditions at Reiek Tlang to tourists. The Anthurium Festival is organized every year by the Tourism Department and the Horticulture Department with financial support of the central government. It has a dual purpose — promoting the cultivation and marketing of the enthralling flower and attracting more tourists to the scenic beauties of Mizoram. The festival showcases the rich and rhythmic cultural dances and games of Mizoram. Fashion shows are also a regular feature of the festival.