A day in the life of Kong Pler

This knowledge Kong Pler possesses is born out of sensory and intuitive perception and practical engagement, passed down as a collective memory over generations.

Photographs By 

Kirti Kumari

August 14, 2024

The state of Meghalaya receives the highest amount of rainfall in the country which makes rich subtropical forests flourish here. The richness and variety of the colors, forms, fragrances, many strange and beautiful natural wonders that exist here is overwhelming. The Khasis are one of the Indigenous communities of the state. It is believed ʻKhasiʼ means, born of the ancient mother. ʻKhaʼ- born of, ʻSiʼ - ancient mother, thus bringing the matrilineal character of the Khasis who trace their descent from the mother. I have documented a day in life of Kong* Pler from Diengsiar Village, in Meghalaya, where we witness her intimate relationship with the Forests. Her knowledge and awareness of the environment is remarkable.

KONG - Way of addressing a female in Khasi Language

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Kong Pler on her terrace, which is surrounded by trees of guava, jackfruit, khasi mandarin, betelnuts she has grown herself.
Sweet Khasi Mandarins grown by Kong Pler at her house. In a few weeks time, they will be ripe and ready to be harvested. They are distinguished from other mandarins by their tight and smooth skin. Unlike other mandarins, they are not easy to peel, but have more flesh and juice. Once peeled and cut, they release its sweet, aromatic juice, which makes the khasi mandarin a favorite amongst all citrus fruits.
Kong Pler shows two kinds of ginger found in her village,looking alike, one of them is the common ginger, while the other, a wild one is crushed and used when giving bath to newborn babies, its medicinal properties are known to improve the health and immunity of the baby.
Rijri, a forest in Diengsiar
Wild ginger Flower in the forest
U tiew daw maw/Jewel Orchid. The jewel orchid is unique for being able to grow in soil, where most orchids require special potting mixes if not tied to bark or rock
“Nop”, a wild edible fruit found in the forests of Diengsiar. "Nop" requires a specific and very elaborate preparation process before it can be consumed. It is eaten as a chutney with dry fish.
Edible wood ear mushroom
A knup/basket crafted by Kong Pler a long time back.
Kong Pler showing a bamboo basket she just finished weaving. She worked on it meticulously and finished it in 2 days
Kong Pler at her temporary shelter she built herself near her fields in her Village, Diengsiar.

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Are there heavy metals in your vegetables?
Does your food contain Microplastics?
Are your food habits disrupting the ecological balance?
Nibble right, Save the PLANET'S MIGHT!