The myths and tales of the lake
Various tales surrounding the origin of the lake can be heard from the Mizo people. As narrated, the lake was said to have been formed during 800-1200 CE, coinciding with the migration of the Mara, an ethnic group. As per the Mara legend, the area where the lake now lies is a village named Hnychao, home to around 300 families. In the heart of the village was a large rock, underneath it there was a deep cave where lived a large serpent. As time passed, children near the rock started to go missing and so did livestock. The villagers concluded that it was caused by the serpent, and decided to catch it using a large rod and a goat as bait. Now this story has two versions, in one version they successfully caught and killed the serpent and decided to feast on its meat. The woman who received the portion of its head, noticed the eyes were still moving, frightened she threw out the cooking pot. Water rushed out from the pot, eventually drowning the village and all its people and turning it into a huge lake.
In the alternate version, the villagers were struggling to pull out the large serpent. It is said that the serpent’s body split in half, and the bottom half hit the deep bottom of the cave with so much force, that it led to an earthquake. The earthquake caused the land to crack open, gushing out all the water and drowning the entire village and its people.
In both these stories the lake was named 'Pala Tipo' which translates to swallowing/submerging lake. All the stories and legends surrounding this lake make it culturally more significant.
Many myths and legends have been associated with this lake. The lake is said to be home to various ghosts, creatures and spirits. Some believe that the lake is haunted by the dead villagers.
There is another tale of an officer dropping his sword in the middle of the lake, following which he asks his men to go retrieve it. The man returned after 3 days stating he was too tired from the feast he had. Such paranormal incidents and mysterious encounters at the lake all add to its mystical aura. The lake is also called an abode of spirits and is an important part of the Mizo folktales and traditions, with various mythical aspects being related to its waters.
Palak Dil’s biodiversity
The area is enriched with flora and fauna, making it a popular destination amongst nature lovers and environmentalists. The lake and its surrounding area are home to numerous exotic animals and birds. The water body is inhabited by different types of prawns, crabs, turtles etc. and more than 70 species of birds are enlisted with the lake. You will find Nepal fulvetta, white-bellied yuhina, little spiderhunter, yellow wagtail, black-capped kingfisher, hooded pitta, spot-breasted scimitar babbler and white-rumped mania. All these native birds, which are hard to find in other places make this lake loved by bird watchers. Aquatic birds and wild ducks are also native to Palak Dil only.
The presence of all these rare-to-find birds makes Palak Dil truly one of a kind. Due to its diverse species of birds, the lake is being given utmost importance and recognition, even among local people. Various measures are being taken to preserve this area and its flora and fauna. Eco-tourism is boosted to ensure the preservation and conservation of the lake and its 15 km surrounding. The area was declared a protected area by the Indian Ministry of Environments and Forests.
Tourism surrounded by Mizo culture, tradition and lifestyle is being promoted, to encourage cultural education and awareness while local communities are also being encouraged to take part in tourism activities.
