John

John, local guide at the Mawphlang Sacred Grove. Photo by Nena Seitz

John: “I am here for seven years and we are the Khasi people.” Dressed in a red sports jacket and trainers, Johnstarfield Myrthong – who introduces himself as John – is 24-year-old who grew up in the Mawphlang village near the sacred grove. He identifies himself as Khasi. And as Christian – ways of life many people in the region are being interlaced with by birth. Having been a tour guide by profession for the last seven years, John offers tours through Mawphlang’s Sacred Grove, day by day.