Popular Chai-Moth, the beverage of Mising tribals in Assam

Mising Gaon (Assam), Mar 20 (ANI): Chai-Moth, a traditional drink of Mising tribes of Assam, brewed with rice and herbal ingredients, remains popular with connoisseurs of beverage for its invigorating aroma.

Chai-Moth is also known as ‘Poro Apong’ and famous for its medicinal values.

The traditional tea served during festivals and religious ceremonies is a much sought after drink and of late it has gained immense popularity among tourists and other non-Misings.

What makes the drink unique is the way it is prepared.

Pure ‘Poro Apong’ is brewed after a three-time distillation process through a conventional filter.

Chai-Moth tea is a concoction made from rice, hay, rice husk, certain herbs and traditional medicine ingredients. It is believed to have curative powers and acts as a stress buster as well.

Dharmendra Doley, a Mising tribal (also known as Miri) said that this drink besides having medicinal value is very tasty.

“It is popular in the sense that it is very tasty and it has some medicinal values also. It will be completely cure urinary problems,” said Dharmendra Doley, a member of Mising tribal community.

Kolia Pegu, another Mising tribal said that he feels fresh after having this tea.

“After drinking Chai-Moth, there is no body pain. I feel refreshed the entire day,” said Pegu.

Various fairs in Assam and elsewhere have given the Mising tribals, a platform to showcase their traditional delicacies of food and beverages.

No wonder, visitors throng their stalls to sample their food, especially to have a sip of the invigorating Chai-Moth.

Although Assam has witnessed tremendous progressive changes over the past couple of decades, equal efforts have been made to preserve the cultural heritage of the region, particularly the tribal ethos.

Chai-Moth of Misings is one of the historical heritage.By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)

Infrastructure in Assam gets a fillip through rural road links

Baksa (Assam), Mar 16 (ANI): Authorities in Assam construct all weather roads in rural areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) which provides employment for locals and also ensures better infrastructure in the region.

The developmental projects executed under the PMGSY have been much appreciated by the people of Batbari in Tukrakuchi region of Baksa district of Assam. This area bordering Bhutan in the northwest, falls under the Bodoland Territorial Council of Assam.

The villagers here had endured their worst phases of Bodo movement during the ’90s till it was partially settled in 2003 with the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council.

Since then progressive changes have been witnessed which the villagers say is a welcome sign after many decades.

“Almost 18 to 19 villages are receiving the benefits. Many people in the interior parts of the area are progressing and developing because of this road. Travelling has become much easier now,” said Chandicharan Narzari, a village head.

Earlier, the roads were uneven and slushy with no proper orientation to serve the local users.

However, with the construction of all-weather roads, the residents are finding it a pleasure to amble along.

“Ever since the roads have been constructed, the children are coming to the schools regularly. This is the best thing that has happened so far here,” said Jitu Goswami, a schoolteacher.

The PMGSY that was launched on December 2000 has been a boon to the people of rural India who until then used to feel isolated from the mainstream of society. By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)