SHERDUKPEN TRIBE'S TRADITIONAL HONEY HUNTING IN SEINTHUK

I was fortunate enough to witness honey hunting with my uncle again this year. Thankfully, we were able to collect nearly 120 litres of pure wild honey from the forests and cliffs with 35 people. And yes, this is no exaggerated tale and it is a living tradition that still survives among our people. The Sherdukpen tribe has been known for its remarkable honey hunting skills since time immemorial. The tradition of collecting honey from towering cliffs speaks not only of courage and physical endurance but also of deep knowledge and expertise passed down from one generation to another. Risking their lives on steep mountain faces, our elders harvested honey with patience, teamwork and respect for nature. Being part of the process takes one back to the old stories narrated by our forefathers. In earlier times, the mountains and cliffs where the wild bees nested were entrusted to particular clans. These clans were responsible for protecting and looking after the hanging bee hives so that the community could sustainably harvest honey for generations to come. It was not merely an act of collection, but a system rooted in responsibility, conservation and traditional wisdom. Honey hunting is therefore more than a livelihood or adventure and it is a reflection of our heritage, bravery and harmonious relationship with the forest. Even today, these traditions remind us of the rich cultural legacy preserved by our ancestors and the importance of protecting both our forests and indigenous knowledge systems.