Three Words, Three Memories: A Zentangle Journey from Nagaland

 

Three Words, Three Memories: A Zentangle Journey from Nagaland

Today, I am sharing something very special and deeply personal to me—three pieces of Zentangle art inspired by three beautiful words from the Angami language of Nagaland in Northeast India.

Kewhira — meaning Kohima.

Kelhoukeevira — meaning the land where life is good.

Kerünyü Ki — meaning House of Listening.

These are not just words to me. Each one carries memories, relationships, love, and a very special chapter of my life.

            

My journey back into art truly began or perhaps, more accurately, my love for art was revived around ten years ago in Nagaland. It was there, through the encouragement and gentle push of Auntie Christine, that I found myself returning to my creative side with renewed passion and confidence. Since then, art has continued to be an important part of my life.

Over the past two months, I have had the joy of creating these three words through Zentangle. As I worked on each piece, I realised that I was not simply creating patterns and letters. I was holding on to memories.

Kelhoukevira - The land where life is good

Nagaland has given me so much over the years: friendship, belonging, kindness, inspiration, and a sense of home. Kerünyü Ki, the House of Listening, in Sechü Zubza, has been particularly special to me. Created by Uncle Niketu Iralu and Auntie Christine, it became a home away from home for many of us. It was a place where conversations happened, stories were shared, people were welcomed, and hearts were listened to.

It was also one of the places where my love for art truly came alive again.

This time, however, returning home to Dharamsala feels very different. There is a sadness that I carry with me.

On 18 August 2026, Uncle Niketu Iralu passed away at the age of 91. Before his passing, I had the opportunity to show him these artworks. He looked at them, appreciated them, and expressed how much he liked them.

And somehow, that makes these pieces even more precious to me now.

The art remains, but he is no longer here.

As I look at these three Zentangle creations today, I see much more than art. I see Kohima. I see the land I love. I see the House of Listening. I see friendships and memories. I see the encouragement that helped me rediscover my creativity. And I remember a remarkable man whose life, friendship, and presence touched so many of us.

So, in loving memory of Uncle Niketu, and with my deep love for Nagaland, the Angami people and their beautiful culture, Auntie Christine, Peno, and the many friends who have made Nagaland feel like a home away from home, I am sharing these three pieces of art.

It has been a long time since I posted anything here on my blog. But perhaps this is a good beginning again.

A return to art.

A return to memories.

And hopefully, a return to writing and sharing more stories in the days ahead.

Kevira. Kelhoukevira. Kerünyü Ki.

Three words.

Three artworks.

A lifetime of memories.