GS Paper - 2 (International Organisation)

Kongthong, a Meghalayan village in the East Khasi Hills district has been chosen as one of the three entries from India for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s ‘Best Tourism Village’. A picturesque, serene village located between Meghalaya’s Sohra and Pynursla ridges, Kongthong attracts tourists not just because of its landscape; it is also home to an ancient tradition of tune-giving or Jingrwai Iawbei.

What

  1. Villagers here are known not by their names but by a specific tune. Kongthong is also known as the ‘whistling village of India’.
  2. There are 10 major clans in the village and four of them, namely Khongsit, Majaw, Lynrah and Pohnong, claim to be the founders.
  3. Apart from Kongthong, the two other villages that have made it to the list are Pochampally of Telangana and Ladhpura Khas in Madhya Pradesh.
  4. Bhoodan Pochampally is a census town in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana. The place is known for its traditional weave, featuring geometric patterns in ikat style of dyeing, named after the destination.
  5. On the other hand, Ladhpura Khas village is located in Orchha Tehsil of Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh. It is about seven kilometres away from Orchha, another popular tourist destination.