As Christmas approaches, a familiar question echoes through urban areas: "Are you going home for Christmas?" For many rural Mizo people living in cities for education or work, this query sparks a mix of excitement, nostalgia and warmth. The majority of Mizoram's population eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with their families back home, surrounded by the misty, rolling hills and the crisp winter air.
In Mizoram, the primary mode of public transport between villages and urban centres is the Tata Sumo passenger carrier, affectionately known as the Maxi Cab. As Christmas draws near, these village sumo services become increasingly crowded, with passengers scrambling to book tickets in advance. The Tata Sumo Maxi Cab, a rugged and versatile vehicle, is the primary mode of transport connecting rural villages to urban centres. During this time, the sumo services are loaded with an assortment of goods and baggage, as villagers return home with Christmas purchases from urban areas.
Many book their tickets well ahead of time, knowing that failure to do so might result in missing out on a spot. As villagers return home, they bring with them Christmas purchases from urban areas, loading the sumo services with an assortment of goods and baggage. The top and back carriers of the Tata Sumo are overloaded with bags, boxes, and parcels, a testament to the excitement and preparation that goes into celebrating Christmas. The drivers, getting into the festive spirit, play Mizo Christmas songs throughout the journey, with some passengers singing along. The air is filled with the sweet scent of Christmas flowers, and the sound of laughter and chatter.
The sumo will depart from the crowded and busy stations, where the sound of honking horns, chatter and laughter fills the air. As the sumo navigates its way through the crowded streets, passengers hold on tight, eager to begin their journey home. However, the winding roads and steep hills of Mizoram can be unforgiving, and many passengers are familiar with the queasy feeling of motion sickness. The Tata Sumo's rugged suspension and sharp turns can be a recipe for disaster, leaving some passengers clutching their stomachs and praying for a smooth ride. Despite this, the sense of camaraderie and shared experience among passengers helps to alleviate the discomfort, and soon everyone is laughing and chatting once again.
On the way, passengers will often stop at roadside vegetable markets and tea stalls, where they can sample local delicacies and stretch their legs. The aroma of brewed tea wafts through the air, mingling with the savoury scents of chow kan, sawhchiar, sanpiau and chhangban kan enticing weary passengers to stop and refuel at the cosy roadside stall. At these impromptu stops, passengers mingle with locals, exchanging stories and laughter, and soaking up the festive atmosphere.
During this time, the sumo services become a melting pot of people from various walks of life. Passengers of all ages engage in lively conversations about Christmas shopping, preparations and traditions. The scenic route, adorned with seasonal blooms like Tlangsam, Bawngpu par and Tlaizawng, adds to the festive atmosphere, while the misty weather and roadside mandarin orange stalls create a magical ambiance.
As passengers near their destinations, they eagerly anticipate reuniting with their loved ones. Children and family members await their arrival, excited to receive new clothes, gifts and home goods from the city. The Christmas journey home is a cherished tradition for many in Mizoram, filled with joy, love and a deep sense of community. As the passengers disembark, they are greeted with warm smiles, open arms and the sound of Christmas carols filling the air.
However, as we cherish this beloved tradition, it is hard not to feel a pang of nostalgia. Tata Motors discontinued the production of Tata Sumo in April 2019, after 25 years of service. As the years go by, the Tata Sumo passenger cab will become a relic of the past, a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. Mizoram will surely miss this reliable and versatile mode of transport, which has been an integral part of the state's transport landscape for decades. But for now, let us cherish the memories, the laughter and the joy that the Tata Sumo has brought to our lives, especially during the magical Christmas season.
Written by Dr. Lalzarzoa, Kawnveng, Sialsuk
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