Preserving Mizo culture, heritage through sustainable tourism

C. Lalrinfela

“The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see” – Gilbert K Chesterton.


As tourism is a blooming industry in the modern world, it has become a globalised trend.

Mizoram is one of the states in North-Eastern region of India that has a high potential for the growth of the tourism industry as the state is covered with green forests. But the word ‘Potential’ only reaches a certain limit.

Sustainable Tourism refers to the equal balance of economy, society and the ecosystem. It includes preservation of cultures, heritage, and traditions of our ancestors especially in the ethnic category.

Mizoram has a different perception on tourism — It looks at this sector from a different angle – shopping malls, big fancy buildings and amusement parks are some of the ideas of tourism here.

Westernisation has an immense influence on how we perceive the idea of boosting tourism, but we miss a very important point which is — the uniqueness and exclusivity in one’s own culture and heritage, something which can automatically attract the attention of a tourist.

Cultural heritage ignites the spark in the heart of a tourist. In today’s world, indigenous revival exhibits the main attraction in the tourism industry where tourists travel to study the traditions and customs of ethnic group.

My travel to Bhutan Kingdom filled me with an admiration of the pride they take in their culture. Tour guides and students have to dress up in their traditional attire which is a unique reflection of their cultural pride.

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland has attracted thousands of tourists even at international level; an exhibition of the cultural traditions, handicrafts, customs and the different culinary cuisines which is considered a delicacy – a gateway to convey knowledge and experience to have a glimpse of their culture in tourism industry.

Some of the popular tourist spots in Shillong like Ward’s Lake and Elephant Falls provide an opportunity for tourists to “dress, feel, walk and talk like a tribal of Meghalaya” by wearing the traditional attires of the tribes, the same of which are being kept at these places to further enhance knowledge about the culture of the state.

Focusing on the accommodation category, the architectural construction should have been constructed in old fashioned huts that provide remnants of the ancestors, with the interior design well furnished with clean modern design. This will impart knowledge to tourists on how we settled in the past. They have seen so many beautiful construction of modern concrete buildings. Why not give them a chance to gain new experience of the cosy Mizo architecture?

Our green forests in our hilly ranges provide a mesmerising sight to see. Bestowed with unique folklore, the art of storytelling can be promoted to a further extent. Eco-Tourism can be promoted in Mizoram and introduction of thrilling adventures can go a long way in exploring the unseen beauty of Mizoram.

As Mizoram is blessed with natural beauty, implementation and promotion can be scrutinized with a careful plan so as not to hamper or cause imbalance to the ecosystem around us.

If forests are destroyed, it minimises the thrill of the adventure. The rough and tough routes boost the excitement in terms of trekking, camping and other outdoor activities. 

Celebrating the tourism industry in Mizo community with sustenance in every aspect can be challenging but with a foolproof plan or policy and careful, efficient execution, our economy will grow, employment generation will increase thereby encouraging youth innovation with a well organised work culture in terms of entrepreneurship, tour guiding, tour operators and business.

I believe that we can create a better Mizoram through the tourism sector as it can be a “window” to the world, showcasing and highlighting the cultural uniqueness of the Mizos.

C. Lalrinfela is a student of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillon. He can be reached at crinfela@gmail.com