Festivals of Assam
Assam is a land of fairs and festivals.
One of the most important heritage festivals of Assam is Bihu, which is celebrated through out Assam with much fun and festivity. Bihu is associated with agriculture and rice in particular.
Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
Every social community of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates a number of festivals. The festivals of Arunachal Pradesh are generally – agricultural, religious and socio-cultural, which give them ample opportunity to enjoy and entertain themselves freely.
The fairs are the occasions for people to relax, to enjoy, to dance and eat and drink.
The Festivals of Manipur
Manipur is a land of festivities, fun and frolic all the year round. Through out the year, Manipur is busy with the cycle of festivals. Hardly a month passes without a festival or two.
The harvest festivals of Manipur projects their cultural, social and religious aspirations which, besides removing the monotony of life and help the people lead a better and fuller life.
The Festivals of Mizoram
Mizo people practise what is known as ‘Jhum Cultivation‘. They slash down the jungle, burn the trunks and leaves and cultivate the land. All their other activities revolve around the Jhum operations and their heritage festivals are all connected with such agriculture operations.
Though mostly Christians, the hill people have kept alive their rich cultural heritage, colourful customs and lively traditions. Fairs and dance festivals of the Mizos have a unique tribal flavor. Other than Christmas and New Year’s Day, which are the most popular festivals, Mizos celebrate a number of traditional festivals (KUT).
The Festivals of Meghalaya
There are three main communities – Khasis, Garos and Jaintias in Meghalaya, all of whom have their own festivals and fairs. Few places have such diverse festivals as Meghalaya that they are not complete without dance and music.
Most of the religious festivals of Meghalaya signifies agricultural activities of sowing and harvesting. The main festivals celebrated here are – Ka Pemblang Nongkrem, Behdiengkhlam, Wangala.
The Festivals of Nagaland
Nagaland is replete with festivities throughout the year, as all the tribes have their own tribal
festivals which they greatly enjoy. The people of Nagaland celebrate their distinct seasonal festivals with glitter, colour, music and fanfare.
Most of these harvest festivals in Nagaland revolve round agriculture, which is still the main occupation of Naga society. Although some religious and spiritual sentiments are inter-woven into secular rites and rituals, the predominant theme of the festivals is offering of prayers to a God.
The Festivals of Sikkim
There are numerous festivals organized during the festivity season in Sikkim through out the year. As people of Sikkim mostly follow Buddhism, the festivals celebrated here are associated to the Buddhist festivals.
Mostly the festivals are celebrated in the Gompas or Monasteries of Sikkim, where people gather in large number to commemorate the occasion.
The Festivals of Tripura
As Tripura is largely dominated by the Hindus, the festivals celebrated here are quite common to the festivals celebrated in the rest of India. In addition to this, there are many fairs and festivals unique to Tripura, celebrated through out the year with great pomp and show.
The main religious festivals of Tripura are the Durga Puja (at the time of Dussehra), Kharchi Puja, Diwali, Dol Jatra (Holi), Pous Sankranti, Ashokashtmi and Buddha Jayanti, Id, Christmas and New Year. The Garia, Ker Ganga and Gajan festivals are important tribal festivities.
Festivals in Northeast India display its Rich Culture
Most of the festivals here are either related to agriculture, Buddhism or beginning of a New Year. There are many festivals that extend over a number of days and include folk/tribal dance and music. These festivals also present a wonderful opportunity for the people belonging to different tribes to bond.
The sumptuous delicacies, interesting costumes, soulful music, warm hospitality and the lively ambience give one enough reasons to be a part of the festivity in the North East.
Losar is a major festival in Arunachal Pradesh as it marks the Tibetan New Year.
Saga Dawa is one of the major Buddhist festivals in Sikkim and is celebrated in the Tibetan lunar month. On the occasion of Saga Dawa in Sikkim, people gather at the monasteries and offer water, incense sticks and dhog.
Ambubachi Mela is held in Guwahati, Assam. The festival is celebrated during the month of June in the Kamakhya Temple.
Although Dree is the festival of the Apatani Tribe, it has gained popularity amongst other tribes in Arunachal Pradesh as well. Dree is the biggest festival of the Ziro Valley and is celebrated to ensure a good harvest.
Moatsu Mong, this festival of the Ao tribe in Nagaland marks the completion of the sowing season.
Anthurium is a major festival in Mizoram. Anthurium festival is celebrated with an objective of promoting the cultivation of the flower and the farmers in Mizoram. It is held in the month of September each year.
Lui-Ngai-Ni is celebrated by almost all the tribes of the Nagas; thus it is celebrated not only in Nagaland but in Manipur (Naga inhabited areas) as well. The festival takes place on February 15 each year and marks the seedsowing season.
