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DIMAPUR — The long-awaited Merryland Park in Chümoukedima has finally opened its gates to the public, days after visuals captured during its soft launch triggered much curiosity among the people of Nagaland. The buzz on the internet was not without reason, as this water park is truly one of a kind in the state.
In addition to the numerous rides, including a carousel, triple slide, wave pool, Niagara Falls, bumper cars and skating rink, three features stood out to me: the enormous towering morung, the vibrant murals on the walls, and the souvenir shop.
The morung stands tall and firm, showcasing a nearly perfect design. Surrounding it are seats where visitors can experience the essence of traditional Naga morungs, reminiscent of those in Naga villages or at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, the main venue for the Hornbill Festival, all presented with a modern touch.
I found this feature striking, as it is rare for a modern-themed amusement park to incorporate elements of Naga tradition and culture. According to Vitono Gugu Haralu, Administrator of Merryland Park, they have not yet determined the purpose of the morung, but plan to reveal a more exciting initiative to visitors soon.
Another striking feature is the vibrant spread of murals adorning the walls and buildings throughout the park. These eye-catching artworks showcase hornbills, marine animals, and more, all beautifully created by talented Naga artists, as told by Haralu. These paintings truly add a unique spark to the atmosphere of the park.
The third and final feature is the ‘Souvenir’ shop. While it offers keepsakes from the park, it also showcases a range of Naga handmade products. This thoughtful addition highlights the creators' commitment to Naga culture. The shop includes wooden spoons, ladles, plates, mortars and pestles, and coasters, all marked ‘Made in Nagaland.’ Visitors can also find locally sourced white sticky rice, zanthoxylum powder (Michinga), Naga spice blend, and more. And not forgetting the many books on sale, written by our very own Naga writers.
I believe this park has successfully incorporated elements that represent Nagaland. Even if someone is not keen on water activities, they can still find a meaningful keepsake in the form of books.
As the day progressed, families began to flock in to the park, with toddlers and kids squealing, jumping, clapping, and running freely in the expansive space. The experience promises to create lasting memories for the children, making it a special place in their hearts for years to come.
As I stood atop one of the rides, overlooking the park, I felt a profound sense of change in the place where I grew up. A water park of this magnitude and design once seemed like a distant dream, and now it is unfolding right before my eyes.
