Meghalaya

Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Khasi

Meghalaya lies in the extreme northeastern region of India. It is the only state in the entire northeast which is matrilineal and takes the identity solely from the mother. Meghalayan women are very lucky in this way, because they are treated with equal rights but the head of the family is always Father. The occurrence of illegitimate child or child abandoning in this society is rare except for a few stray cases. Off springs whether male or female are treated alike. On the whole, the society is unique, devoid of complexes and the much feared and dreaded bride burning or Dowry system.

In this matrilineal society, lets take the Khasis for example, the blood relations on the mother's side are known as the "Cognates" (Ki Kur) and "Agnates" (Ki Kha) refer to the paternal side. The cognates trace their origin from a common ancestress and their lineal descent is from mother to daughter, just the opposite from other societies.

Marriage is also strictly exogamous, i.e., outside the cognates. There cannot be a greater sin ever committed than an intimate physical relationship between members of the cognates, which is an unforgivable sin. In the olden days violation of such an act was considered sacrilegious and the persons involved were ostracised.

The ostracised persons are not only disowned and dispossessed, but they are also denied the solace of religion. Therefore, transgression is rare because it is an offence, which the society does not connive at and tolerate. Transgressors always leave their homeland to settle somewhere else.

Marriage with agnates is permissible subject to certain restrictions. marriage with near cousins is forbidden. But now this matrilineal society is at crossroads, due to mixed marriages and imitation of other cultures like taking the identity from the father, which might create confusion for future generations.

Some modern youths resented this matrilineal system and insisted that a change in the society is necessary for the better upliftment of modern society by going Paternal, which was rejected by the Elders of the society who viewed that tradition cannot be changed like trade or commerce.

In matrilineal society, men play a vital part as the Head of the family and as an Uncle; he has the vetoing power to control things. he is looked upon as the Defender and Provider and is much respected. During marriage he has to pay for the bride's wedding attires and if he is rich, he even contributes towards the feast as well. Whereas in other societies, women have to pay huge dowry like gold, silver, furniture, refrigerator, scooter, car, television set etc., and if her parents cannot afford it, she usually ends up, in many cases, by being burnt alive or brutally murdered.

The inheritance in the society is strictly determined by the principle of Unigeniture. This heritage differs from other societies. It is a traditional system that inheritance goes to the youngest daughter without a thought about the other sisters, but it could be split into equal shares amongst children, regardless of sex if the parents wish to do so. Regarding inheritance it is not too late to modify it, men should not be ignored. In fact, many modern and rational parents are trying to make amends for the wrong and unbalanced way in which inheritance was handed down to the youngest daughter where most men are deprived of any property. The differential treatment made them resentful and they feel suffocated.

The climate of Meghalaya varies with the altitude. ... It is neither too warm in summer nor too cold in winter, but over the plains of Garo Hills, the climate is warm and humid, except in winter. True to its name, the Meghalaya sky seldom remains free of clouds. The average annual rainfall is about 1,150 cm.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

Guwahati in Assam is the nearest big transport hub. Fly in or train it here and you'll find taxis and shared cabs by the dozen to Shillong, Meghalaya's capital city and the hub for all surrounding places of interest. If you're on a self-drive trip, Zoom Cars can be rented at the airport/online.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

DO

• In case of need or desire to overstay, you are advised to contact the nearest Foreigners' Regional Registration Office.
  
• It is advisable to avail of pre-paid taxi/auto-rickshaws or pay by meter or ask for the fare chart.
• Advisable to shop at the Govt. Emporia/Fixed Price Shops to ensure quality and reasonable prices.
• Check power voltage before using electrical instruments (220/240 V are available in India)
• Keep your valuables in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults
• You are advised to contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office or Government approved Travel Agents/Tour Operators for local sight seeing and excursion tours.
• Fast Trains/Intercity express are available between several tourist centers. Consult the Railway Information Office or India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office.
• Always hire a Govt. approved tourist guide who invariably carries an identity card.
• Check about photography permissions/video filming at any monument. Contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office
• Change money only at the Authorised Foreign Exchange Outlets/Banks/Hotels and insist on receipt for money changed.
• For guide map of the city/tourist information, contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office
• STD/ISD/FAX facilities are available at small outlets in all parts of the country with yellow sign boards
• Observe local tradition/customs while visiting religious places
• There is prohibition on liquor in a few states. Check details from the nearest Tourism Office about the same.
• Smoking not allowed in public places and vehicles in some states.
• Do not buy goods from road side unless and until you feel satisfied
• All state government has their own handicraft stall and all good tour operators include it in their itinerary. Try to buy from Government stall only for genuine handicraft.

DON'T

• Don't encourage beggars
  
• Don't accept food/drinks from strangers
• Export of Indian Currency is banned
• Don't be coerced into shopping by touts/guides/cab/taxi drivers or strangers
• Don't bye articles made from rare/endangered species of animals which are banned