TOP NORTHEAST INDIA FESTIVALS



Festivals are all about fun and community time. A positive ambience, they are a gathering where everyone comes together keeping aside their differences and bond, promoting community spirit. Everyone comes together to celebrate. India has many festivals celebrated all the year round. Northeast is no less with a plethora of vibrant and colourful festivals at its disposal. These festivals are mainly celebrated in time of New Year, Sowing and Harvesting seasons, in celebration of Nature and also Religions. Festivals also signify important astronomical changes going on in the solar system, and most of these dates are in coindidence with astronomical timings and placements. Many of these festivals over time have become popular of epic proportions with many international artists lining up to perform and visitors from all over thronging the various venues. In these festivals generations old rich culture, heritage and traditions are showcased that have been carried over for centuries. The festivals witness various traditional folk music and dance forms performed by the various tribes adorning colourful ethnic costumes and attire, along with an opportunity for everyone to taste various local delicacies. These festivals last from a few days to even several weeks with elaborate programes and activities. I'm from Assam so I'm aware of its festivals inside out; however, I'm curious about the various festivals in the neighbouring sister states as well and am eager to join a few in coming days, For now, lets have a glance of these various extravaganzas held across various north-east states at various times of the year.


Festivals of North East :

ASSAM

1. Jeevan Kite River Festival, Brahmaputra beach, Fancy Bazar, Guwahati, Assam - It is a relatively new entrant in festivals. I've personally been at this festival and really appreciate the effort to clean up the river banks during this time. It is a symbolic and unique initiative that encourages and educates everyone ( youth and general public alike ) about maintaning cleaner river banks especially those near urban areas which are more prone to garbage dumping. There are lots of cultural activities as well held during this time which are really engaging. The main highlight of this festival though is the display of colorful high soaring kites of different shapes, size and designs. One can even buy and take home a few of these beauties. The 14th edition of the Jeevan Kite Festival is scheduled from first week of January,1-7th 2025. This festival is a great way to promote community spirit and celebrate the start of the new year.





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TOP NORTHEAST FESTIVALS


2. Bihu festival, Assam - This the main festival of Assam which is celebrated thrice during the year in various forms.
  • Bhogali - Around 13th Jan every year, while rest of India is busy with Makar Sankranti, Pongal etc; in Assam, Maagh or Bhogali bihu is celebrated signifying the end of harvest season. It is held in almost every assamese household. Its a celebration of abundance - the granary is filled to its brim at this tme; a happy, joyous and prosperous occasion for all. On 'Uruka' the night before bihu, special feasts are held wherein families and friends lit bonfire around 'bhela ghars' ( a makeshift shelter made of thatch, bamboo, straws, dried leaves, and other natural materials ), cook delicous meals outdoors, sing and dance throughout the night. In mornings, the bhela ghar are burnt with special pujas seeking blessing from nature, fire ( all the elements ) and the Gods for abundance throughout the year. Assamese delicacies like Pitha ( made of rice flour with coconut, sesame and jaggery filling ), til ladoos, khando, thekela and ketteli pitha, malpuwas etc are the specialties during this time.
  • Rongali Bihu = Around 13th-14th April every year, while rest of India is busy with Gudi Padwa, Lohri, Baisakhi, Vishu and Puthandu etc; in Assam, Bohag, Rongali or Xaat Bihu is celebrated. It is a traditional ethnic festival of this Northeastern Indian state which is celebrated by the various indigenous ethnic groups of Assam, and marks the beginning of the Assamese New Yeart. It is also the start of the sowing season, end of winter and arrival of spring and greenery. Men and women dress up in traditional Assamese clothes - made of pat and muga silk ( mekhala chadar, dhuti ). The Bohag bihu is most colourful of all the three bihus and most vibrant. The celebration extends for about a month, main being within the first seven days and the final 'bohagi bidaai'. Goru Bihu is the first day. Cows/buffalows are given a bath and fed. People pray for their safety as they are useful in farming and agriculture, The second day people greet and gift the distinct white ( with red motives or flowery borders ) tradional hand-woven cotton 'Gamosa'. Young men go around forming groups playing dhols/pepas/Taal/Xutuli/Toka etc and singing, looking for their mates i.e the females. Lots of flirting and teasing in the form of songs/lyricäl poetry occur. Finally, they perform the Assamese Bihu Dance together. It is said maximum elopements between young couples happen during this time. Lots of culturals programs are held in various bihu pandals or stages with performances and competitions much to the delight of the audience.
  • Kongali Bihu - Around 17th oct every year, while rest of India is busy with Tula Sankranti, Lakshmi puja etc; in Assam, Kaati or Kongali bihu is celebrated. It marks the end of sowing season respectively, and a pray is held to nature for the crops to be safe during the upcoming harsh seasons of fall and winter. This festival is held low key with people lighting diyas and placing them under the holy 'tulsi' or basil and various directions of the house. Its quite a solemn festival unlike the other two bihus.

    3. Ambubachi Mela, Assam - Held on the grounds of the Kamakhya temple, Guwahati, Assam it is one of the major festivals in the North East. It is held on the month of June ( 22nd to 26th during monsoon ). Kamakhya temple, dedicated to Goddess Sati, the wife of Lord Shiv, is considered an important pilgrimage site among the holy Shakti Peethas of the country. The 'yoni' or womb of the goddess is worshipped which represents fertility and the divine feminine. Thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad throng the temple during this time along with many sadhus and sages connected to the tantric cult who does many unusual secret practices, including sacrificial. It is believed that during this time Goddess Kamakhya goes through her annual menstrual cycle. For three days the temple remains closed and a white 'chaddar' is laid in front of the natural rock formation of the 'yoni'. At the end of three days when the temple door opens, it is found that the cloth mysteriously turns red in blood, which then is cut and distributed as prasad to the devotees. It is believed this piece of cloth hold enormous magical and healing properties. The river nearby is also said to turn red during this time.

    4. Majuli festival, Assam - It is a unique festival held in the famous Garamur Satra on the banks of the river Luit, in Majuli - the largest inhabited river island in the world ~ every year in November. It is a four-five day event that celebrates Majuli region's geographical existance.
  • Raas Festival ( Raax Mahotsav ) – on full moon day, in Majuli and Golpara district, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna during which, his entire life is presented in a very artistic, cultural and dramatic format in various segents ( from birth of Lord Krishna, to his 'natkhat' mischiefs as a child, his brave acts of slaying various demons, also how he had won over King Kansa ( his maternal uncle who wanted to kill him ), not to mention his liasons with Radha and the various Gopis. These acts are performed by experienced women and men dancers wearing elaboate costumes and 'masks'. Sometimes men dress up as Gopis and vice versa. Tourists throng Majuli during this time from all over. There are lots of Satras or places of worship. Raas Utsav is the peak tourist season in this pretty island. This festival is followed by 'Jengrai Bali Chapori' which is another musical extravaganza. One can also visit the Sri Sri Samaguri Satra to learn about the mask making tradition of the area.

    5. Brahmaputra Festival is a festival held annually in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, Assam, India. The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the region, with music, talent shows, and exhibitions.

    6. Karbi Youth Festival is an annual festival celebrated by the Karbi People living in East and West Karbi Anglong district and other districts in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, with occasional participation from other tribes and states of Northeastern India. It is considered the oldest ethnic festival in India.

    7. Porag is a five-day festival ccelebrated by the Misings of Assam. It features songs and dances, and drummers and dancers from one village performing in neighboring villages, and so on.





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    TOP NORTHEAST FESTIVALS


    ARUNACHAL PRADESH

    1. Losar festival, Arunachal Pradesh - To mark the start of the Tibetan New Year, Losar is a significant Buddhist festival for followers of the Mahayana sect, held in Tawang. It is a three day ( can also last upto 15days from 28Feb-2 Mar ) festival, where various tribes like Monpa, Sherdukpens, Memba, Khamba and Nah come together with enthusiasm. It is a time for new beginnings. There are various rituals performed during this festival.

    2. Dree festival, Arunachal Pradesh - is an agricultural festival celebrated by the Apatani tribe ( also other tribes ) of Arunachal Pradesh. Celebrated on July 5th, in Ziro vilage, the festival marks the end of the planting season. Worshiping of the five gods of Tamu, Metii, Medvr, Mepin, and Danyi takes place for protection of their crops and for a bountiful harvest.

    3. Ziro Festival Of Music, Arunachal Pradesh - Held in 26–29sept, in Zero Valley of Arunachal Pradesh which is a very picturesque remote place. A much awaited iconc festival, it is held outdoors. In recent times it has become a widely popular festival with youngsters lining up to be part of it. Camping under the star-lit skies is the highlight.



    MANIPUR

    1. Lui-Ngai-Ni, Manipur - is a festival celebrated by the Naga tribes residing in the state on the 15th of February each year. It marks the seed sowing season. Various Naga tribes of the region like the Mao, Maram, Poremai, Liangmai, Maring, Tarao, Chothe, Anal, Kharam, Koireng, Thangal etc come together. Traditional music and dances are performed, as well as games held like the oiled bamboo pole climbing, drum thumping, and fire acrobatics to please the Gods.

    2. Cheiraoba festival, is the Manipuri new year held in April..and is celebrated by everyone in the state. Needlessly to say lots of fun activities are held during this time

    3. Kang Chingba, is the biggest Hindu festival in Manipur.The 8-10day long festival is held in July, observed by the Meitei community who are ardent worshippers of Lord Vishnu. It is akin to the famous 'Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra' wherein journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra is highlighted quite similarly to the Puri Temple festivities in Odisha. Thousands of devotees throng the Sri Sri Govindajee Temple in the city of Imphal to watch the massive chariots that carry the deities in procession.

    4. Sangai Festival, Manipur - the sangai is the state animal of Manipur ( endangered species of deer ) after which the festival is named. It is held annually ( November 21–30 ) by Manipur tourism to celebrate the state's arts, culture, heritage, indigenous products, sports, crafts and tourism. Both national and international partcipants attend the festivities.





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    TOP NORTHEAST FESTIVALS


    MEGHALAYA

    1. India International Cherry Blossom Festival, Meghalaya- takes place in Shillong from November 14-17, and is one of a kind. It is held in a grand manner and is a big cultural event. The cherry blossoms that bloom during this time steals the show.

    2. Nongkrem Dance Festival, Meghalaya - is held in November at the residence of the Tribe's Chief in the town of Smit, 15 kms from Shillong, performed by the khasi tribes in their ethnic dresses and jewelry. It is a harvest festival during which goat sacrifice is done ( by the high priest ) and offered to the Goddess as well as ancestors..as thanksgiving and to seek blessings.

    3. Wangala Festival, Meghalaya - is a winter festival ( held in 8th Nov ) celebrated by the Garo Tribes of the state, in Tura and surrounding regions. It is a post-harvest festival also known as the Hundred Drums Festival ( it's celebrated by the beating of 100 drums or nagaras together ), marking the beginning of winter. Feathered headgear is worn by everyone celebrating.



    MIZORAM

    1. Chapchar Kut Festival, Mizoram is held in March to denote the start of sowing season. It is a colourful spring festival. Lots of song and dance takes place duing this time in their ethnic format.

    2. Anthurium Festival, Mizoram is named after the famous flower Anthurium. Organised by Mizoram tourism, held in the month of September, it features a wide range of cultural and traditional events such as music, dance, handloom, handicrafts etc, and adventure sports to promote tourism. 70 kms from the capital city of Aizawl, the small village of Reiek is the venue.





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    TOP NORTHEAST FESTIVALS


    NAGALAND

    1 Sekrenyi festival, Nagaland - is a ten day major annual festival held by the Angami naga tribe at the end of February25th. It is backed by Nagaland Tourism. It is also known as Sokre-n and 'Phousanyi'. The festival is held to purify one's past sins ( of self as well as whole village ) and start anew.

    2. Aoling Festival, Nagaland - Aoleang Monyü or Aoleang is a festival celebrated by the Konyak Naga people and is held in the first week of April mainly in the Mon District of Nagaland. This event marks the start of the spring season and new year. The Konyak tribe are the infamous headhunting tattooed naga tribe.

    3. Moatsu festival, is a three-six day occasion celebrated in the first week of May by the Ao tribe of Nagaland at the end of the sowing season. It is a colorful festival that celebrates the rich Naga culture, Men perform traditional warrior dances and the women sing lively songs in praises of their villages and customs. Feasts and games takes place to enjoy the festival. It is a great bonding time for the community.

    4. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland - is an annual festival organised by Nagaland Tourism, celebrated from 1-10th of December. It is called festival of festivals as it brings together all the various ethnic Naga tribes ( 17+ ) under one umbrela to showcase the region's rich indigenous culture in Kisama Heritage Village. It has become very popular with everyone looking forward to experience the cultural extravaganza.



    SIKKIM

    1. Losoong festival, Sikkim - is the Sikkimese New Year, celebrated annually in December. It is celebrated in a very grand manner through out the state.

    2. Saga Dawa festival is a popular Buddhist Festival celebrated in the northeastern state of Sikkim on full moon in month of May. It is one of the biggest festivals in the state marking end of harvest season. It is mainy celebrates by the Bhutiya tribes with also the Lepchas joining in. The Chham Dance is performed by the monks enacting buddhist scriptures; and also Black Hat Dance are performed at the monasteries. The festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.



    TRIPURA

    Kharchi Puja, Tripura - is the hindu festival of fourteen Gods ( considered as dynasty deities akin to kul-devtas ) celebrated for seven-ten days by the people of Tripura in the months of July or August. The rituals in this festivals are meticulously performed by the royal families only in Old Agartala or the Puran Haveli, where there is a temple that houses the 14 deities, It is one of the biggest fesivals of Tripura where 'khar' means 'sin' and 'chi' means to clean or cleanse. It is somewhat connected to the 'Ambubachi mela' of Assam where goddess Tripura Sundari undergoes her menstrual cycle. As the earth is considered to become unclean during this time, this particular puja is held to cleanse the impurities and sins of the people. Even common people of Tripura join in the celebrations of this festival.





    So, which of these festivals has piquied your interest? Have I missed any?
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