Tag Archives: Festivals

Festivals of India – Cheykor Festival

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The Cheykor Festival, also known as the Festival of Joy, or the Parikrama of Wisdom is a popular harvest festival celebrated by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. It is observed by the people of the Nyishi tribe, who are one of the major indigenous communities in the state. The festival is a time when people come together to offer their thanks and gratitude to the Gods for the bountiful harvest and good fortune that they have received.

The Festival is celebrated annually to welcome the spring for five days, with each day having a special significance and ritual associated with it. The festival is marked by feasting, dancing, singing, and the exchange of gifts and greetings among friends, relatives, and neighbours.

It is said that Gelong Doyan Tenzing, a monk introduced this festival in the Sherdukpen region. The main theme of the festival portrays the introduction of Chhey or holy ures of Buddhism. Unlike other festivals, the Cheykor festival which probably falls during June is unique to the Shergaon people. Besides carrying the holy Buddhist ures around the village, special prayers are offered to the Phu or deities at various places. The Cheykor celebration at Shergaon village combines the traditional Bon religion with the preaching of Buddhism. The reading of the Kaso or the ancient document and performing rituals at various Chhodam or resting places is an instance. The singing of the Lurjang is done for seeking courage & protection of the villagers from mountain deities. Three community clans, the Aju Lampu Blang, the Chhampu Blang and the Thuksna Blang play a vital role in traditional affairs and also have a traditional educational system where the young generation learns how to be responsible citizens. Active participation of the Abosus or the elders, the Blangpu jomjis or girls and the Makpenpus or boys add flavour to the festival.

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The first day of the festival is known as ‘Chindang,’ and it is observed as a day of purification. On this day, people clean their houses, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes to offer to the Gods. They also light bonfires to purify their surroundings and ward off evil spirits. The second day of the festival is known as ‘Gumkum Gumpa,’ and it is celebrated as a day of merrymaking. People gather in large numbers and participate in traditional dances and songs. They also prepare and share traditional dishes like ‘Apong,’ a local rice beer, and ‘Gyathu,’ a spicy meat dish. The third day of the festival is known as ‘Nyecheon Yullo,’ and it is celebrated as a day of offerings. On this day, people offer prayers and offerings to the Gods for a good harvest, good health, and prosperity. They also visit their relatives and friends to exchange gifts and greetings. The fourth day of the festival is known as ‘Rineng Yullo,’ and it is observed as a day of reconciliation. People come together to forgive each other and bury their differences. They also participate in traditional games and sports like archery, wrestling, and tug-of-war. The fifth and final day of the festival is known as ‘Takhe Takhe,’ and it is celebrated as a day of farewell. On this day, people bid goodbye to the festival and exchange gifts and greetings one last time. They also pray to the Gods to bless them with a bountiful harvest in the coming year.

The Cheykor Festival is not only a celebration of the harvest but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Nyishi tribe. The festival showcases the traditional costumes, dances, songs, and games of the tribe, and it is a time for the younger generation to learn and appreciate their cultural roots. It is a time for people to come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the joys of life. The festival is a testimony to the resilience and diversity of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and their rich cultural traditions.

Festivals of India: Moatsu Festival

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Celebrated by the Ao people of Nagaland, the Moatsü festival is celebrated in the first week of May every year with various rituals performed during this period. The Moatsu Festival is one of the most popular and significant festivals celebrated by the Naga tribe and is a time of great joy and celebration.

The Moatsu Festival is a harvest festival, and it is celebrated after the sowing season is over. The festival provides them with a period of recreation and entertainment after the stressful work of clearing fields, burning jungles, sowing seeds, cleaning up the Tsubu or wells and repairing and constructing houses by the elders of the Putu Menden or the village council, that stretches over a week. The festival also is the beginning of marriages in spring and the ploughing of old and new Jhum fields. The Moatsü festival which runs for three days from 01 to 03 May is marked by peppy songs and dances and is full of merrymaking and fun. The festival aims to invoke the blessings of the almighty after the completion of sowing. During the festival, the villagers come together to clean the village and the surrounding areas, as they believe that this will bring good luck and prosperity to their village.

During this festival, one of the symbolic celebrations is Sangpangtu, where a big fire is lit and men and women sit around it putting on their complete best attire, the womenfolk serve the wine and meat. The village witch doctors forecast whether good or evil days are awaiting the people and the village by the readings of the celebration.

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The first day of the festival is known as the ‘Likhümthi’, which means the day of the cleaning of the village. On this day, the villagers clean their houses, the streets, and the village common areas. They also decorate their homes with flowers and other decorations to welcome the guests who will visit their homes during the festival. The second day of the festival is known as ‘Moatsu proper’. On this day, the villagers wear their traditional costumes and gather at the village ground to perform various cultural activities. The men and women dance together, sing traditional songs, and play various musical instruments. The Ao people are known for their traditional warrior dances, which are performed during the festival.

The third and final day of the festival is known as ‘Tsuru Nyekha’, which means the day of feasting. On this day, the villagers prepare traditional dishes and invite their friends and relatives to their homes for a feast. The feast includes a variety of dishes, including smoked pork, dried fish, bamboo shoot, and various other delicacies. The feast is a time for the villagers to bond and strengthen their relationships.

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During the festival, one of the symbolic celebrations is Sangpangtu where a big fire is lit and women & men sit around it. The best women serve the best wine and meat and make merry. The forecast is made by the righteous men who live by the guidance of the Almighty to see whether good or evil days are awaiting the people.

The Moatsu Festival is not just a time for celebration, but it is also a time for the Ao people to reinforce their cultural identity. The festival is an opportunity for the villagers to showcase their traditional arts and crafts, such as weaving, wood carving, and beadwork. The festival is also an occasion for young people to learn about their cultural heritage and the traditions of their ancestors.

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The Moatsu Festival has a deep spiritual significance for the Ao people when they offer prayers to their gods and goddesses for a bountiful harvest and good health. The Ao people believe that their gods and goddesses will bless them if they perform the festival with sincerity and devotion. The Moatsu Festival is also a popular tourist attraction with many tourists visiting Nagaland during the festival to experience the rich cultural heritage of the state. In conclusion, the Moatsu Festival is a time of great joy and celebration for the Ao Naga tribe in Nagaland, India. It is a time for the villagers to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. The festival is a time for the Ao people to give thanks to their gods and goddesses for the bountiful harvest that they have received. The festival is not just a time for celebration, but it is also an opportunity for the villagers to reinforce their cultural identity and showcase their traditional arts and crafts. The Moatsu Festival is a unique festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ao people and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the customs and traditions of the Nagas

Festivals of India – Shirui Lily Festival

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The Shirui Lily Festival celebrates the state flower of Manipur and is part of the state’s efforts to develop and implement sustainable and responsible tourism in the state and also to save and increase awareness about the endangered species of Manipur’s Shirui Lily found only in the Shirui Hills. The festival is organized every year around April-May. The 5th edition of the festival will take place between 17 to 20 May at Ukhrul.

In celebration of the stunning and rare Shirui Lily, a beautiful flower that grows only in the region of Shirui Hill in Manipur, the festival is a celebration of the beauty and richness of the local culture and attracts tourists from all over the world to this region.

The festival starts with a parade through the streets of the city, with participants dressed in traditional attire, dancing and singing to the beat of the drum. The parade is led by the Queen of the festival, who is usually a local girl selected for her beauty and grace. The Queen is adorned with a crown made of Shirui Lily, which is a symbol of her royalty and is considered a great honour.

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The Shirui Lily grows on top of the Shirui hills in Manipur and cannot be replanted anywhere else in the world. It fills the air with its pleasant fragrance during the blooming season. The festival is observed to spread awareness and conserve the endangered state flower.

Climbing the Shirui hills is one of the most interesting treks in Manipur and a chance to see the rare flower. It is the ultimate treat for nature and adventure lovers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the display of the Shirui Lily. The flower is considered a symbol of purity and beauty and is used extensively in various rituals and ceremonies. During the festival, the flower is displayed in various forms, such as garlands, bouquets, and arrangements, and is admired by tourists and locals alike. Another highlight of the Shirui Lily Festival is the traditional music and dance performances. The local folk dances, such as the Rasa Dance and the Khamba-Thoibi Dance, are performed with great passion and enthusiasm. The music, which is accompanied by instruments such as the pena and the drum, is a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles and creates a unique and mesmerizing sound.

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In addition to the cultural events, the Shirui Lily Festival is also a time for people to come together and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Events during the festival include live music concerts, folk performances, traditional dances, indigenous games and competitions, art and handicraft exhibitions, ethnic food eateries and various adventure activities like camping, biking and a lot more. Shirock, the musical extravaganza of live music concerts and competitions is one of the major highlights of the festival that attracts a large number of crowds not only from different corners of the state, and even from neighbouring states.

The Shirui Lily Festival is not just a celebration of the beauty of the Shirui Lily, but it is also a celebration of the local culture and heritage. Visitors to the festival can experience the traditional way of life of the people of Manipur, and learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the richness of their culture and to share it with others.

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One of the most unique and exciting aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the opportunity to trek to Shirui Hill, where the Shirui Lily grows in abundance. This trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, as visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of the region and see the Shirui Lily in its natural habitat. The trek is also a great opportunity for adventure enthusiasts, as the route is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Festivals of India: Biju Festival

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India is a land of festivals and the more colourful, the better.  One such colourful festival is Biju, celebrated by the Chakma community in Tripura, marking the dawn of a New Year for the community. The festival is also celebrated by seven other ethnic groups in Tripura: Marma, Tangchangya, Tripuris, Mro, Khumi, Khiyang and Chak. The Marmas call the festival Sangraig, Tangchangya refers to it as Bishu, Truipis call it Baisuk and Ahmia name it Bihu.

Celebrated over three days, Biju falls on the last day of the Bengali calendar. The festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and is one of the most important cultural events in the region.  The festival has been celebrated in the region for thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the northeastern part of India and Bangladesh. The festival is a celebration of the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

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Each day of the festival has its own distinct traditions and customs. On the first day of Biju, called Phool Biju, people clean their houses and decorate them with flowers. They also pay floral tributes to the nearby rivers. The second day, called Mul Biju, is celebrated with the performance of traditional songs and dances, culminating with the famous Biju dance. On the third and final day, known as Gotche Potche Biju, elders of the community are honoured with an elaborate feast and renew their marriage vows with their spouses. One of the main attractions of the festival is the special Biju dance, accompanied by the rhythms of traditional musical instruments that constitute percussion and flute.

Earlier the festival used to be celebrated for over a fortnight. However, in changing times, it is celebrated over three days. The Biju festival is not just limited to cultural events and traditions. It is also a time for family and friends to come together and exchange greetings and gifts. On this day, people visit each other’s homes, exchange sweets and fruits, and offer well wishes for the coming year. The festival is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

Festivals of India: Lathmar Holi

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Lathmar Holi or the Holi with sticks is a festival celebrated in the Baj regions of Uttar Pradesh in the twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, also known as the towns of Radha and Krishna respectively. Every year, during Holi, thousands of devotees and tourists visit these towns to celebrate the festival. The festivities usually last for more than a week and end on Rang Panchami or Holi. The festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil and is a time for people to come together, dance, sing, and throw coloured powders at each other, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.

Associated with the legend that is linked to the divine couple Radha Krishna, the festival seeks to recreate it. According to the legend, Lord Krishna who was a resident of Nandgaon and is considered the son-in-law of Vrishabhanu wanted to spray the colours on his beloved Radha and her friends. But, as Krishna and his friends entered Barsana, they were playfully greeted with the sticks by Radha and her friends who drove them out of Barsana. Following the same trend, every year on the occasion of Holi, the men of Nandagaon who are treated as sons-in-law of Barsana visit Barsana and are greeted by women with colours and sticks or lathis. The celebration is enacted in perfect good humour by both sides, the men of Nandgaon and the women of Barsana.

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The Lathmar Holi festival is a celebration of the power of women and is a unique expression of the region’s rich cultural heritage. During the festival, named after the lath, a wooden stick that is used by women to chase men. The festival is celebrated on the day before the Hindu festival of Holi and is an expression of the love between Radha and Krishna. The women from the town of Barsana chase men from the neighbouring town of Nandgaon with sticks as a symbolic representation of Radha’s playfulness and power. The men, in turn, sing and dance in a show of reverence to Radha.

One of the highlights of the Lathmar Holi festival is the Lathmar Holi Mela, which is a gathering of people from the surrounding towns and villages. The mela is a lively and colourful affair, with stalls selling food, drinks, and handmade goods. There is also a wide range of entertainment available, including music, dance, and theatre performances.

Another important aspect of the Lathmar Holi festival is the traditional dance and music. The Braj region has a rich tradition of music and dance, and the Lathmar Holi festival provides a platform for these traditions to be showcased. The dances performed during the festival are an expression of joy and happiness and are performed by both men and women. The music played during the festival is characterised by its use of traditional instruments such as the dhol, nagara, and manjira.

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One of the most unique parts of the Lathmar Holi festival is the ‘Rang Panchami’ ritual. During this ritual, people come together to throw coloured powders at each other, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The ‘Rang Panchami’ ritual is an important part of the Lathmar Holi festival and is a time for people to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring.

The Lathmar Holi festival is also a time for love and courtship. During the festival, young men and women come together to meet and get to know each other. If two people are interested in each other, they can exchange gifts and formalise their relationship. This exchange of gifts is known as ‘Rasm-e-Holi’ and is an important part of the Lathmar Holi festival.

The Lathmar Holi festival is a celebration of life, love, and joy and a celebration of the rich and diverse culture of the Braj region. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil and is an important part of the cultural heritage of the region.