Integrating indigenous knowledge and rural tourism in Kongthong, the “whistling village” of India

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to gain insight into Kongthong village, popularly known as the “whistling village,” a low-key rural tourism destination that has often gone under the radar. As an upcoming rural tourism destination, mothers here create a unique tune for their children, ensuring their identity remains unique. This is because the residents of Kongthong have two names: an official name and another in the form of a whistled tune. The primary objective of this study is to gain more insight into the rural tourism activities at Kongthong to explore the symbiotic relationship between indigenous cultural practices and holistic development through tourism.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses an ethnographic approach wherein the researchers conducted in-depth interviews and group discussions. The respondents for the study are the village elders, youth, men and women, across different age groups.FindingsThe study depicts that rural tourism activities in Kongthong go hand in hand with understanding indigenous knowledge. The governing bodies and the local community are on the right path to achieving potential growth and preserving the village as a holistic rural tourist destination.Originality/valueRural tourism in Kongthong highlights the traditional practices of the Khasi community. Owing to this, Kongthong was nominated for the UNWTO best tourism village by the Government of India to showcase the local culture through; social, economic and political elements at the destination that add value to a tourism product.

Conclusion: how could rural tourism provide better support for well-being and socioeconomic development?

“…One such case is Kongthong, the Whistling village of India, which has a unique cultural practice of giving each child a tune along with a name that becomes their identity throughout their life and even posthumously. The ethnographic study by Dixit et al (2023) traces the evolution of this remote village into an emerging tourist destination. They call for an inclusive approach that (1) harmoniously blends tourism with the village life and culture, (2) preempts excessive burden on the limited resources, (3) puts a conservation policy in place prior to demand acceleration and (4) ensures active participation of the local community for holistic development of the rural tourism destination.…”

“…One such case is Kongthong, the Whistling village of India, which has a unique cultural practice of giving each child a tune along with a name that becomes their identity throughout their life and even posthumously. The ethnographic study by Dixit et al . (2023) traces the evolution of this remote village into an emerging tourist destination.…”

Introduction: how could rural tourism provide better support for wellbeing and socio-economic development?

“…In the next article, Dixit et al (2023) consider the use of a unique indigenous cultural lifestyle and tradition to promote rural tourism in Kongthong village in Meghalaya, India. The study used an ethnographic approach and highlighted the traditional practices of the Khasi community, where mothers assign songs or tunes to their children's names, and each of these songs are unique to each member of the village.…”

“…In the next article, Dixit et al. (2023) consider the use of a unique indigenous cultural lifestyle and tradition to promote rural tourism in Kongthong village in Meghalaya, India.…”

Indigenous Entrepreneurship that Creates a Sense of Place in the Traditional Shopping Areas

“…This empowers communities and provides visitors with an authentic and meaningful experience that enhances the understanding and appreciation of an environment (Hanafiah et al, 2023;Loaney, 2019;Mrabure, Ruwhiu, & Gray, 2018). The unique potential can also contribute to tourism development, significantly impacting the local economy (Dixit, Langstieh, & Abraham, 2022;Saviera, Kusumastuti, & Hidayanto, 2022). The research is crucial as it helps in comprehending and documenting unique practices, challenges, and opportunities faced by indigenous entrepreneurs in creating a sense of place.…”