The East Indian villages present a perfect blend of composite culture including the tribal cultures. Many tribal communities live in the villages of east India and they celebrate different types of festivals throughout the year. Bihu is one of the principal East Indian village festivals and is mainly celebrated in the villages of Assam. There are three forms of Bihu festival namely the Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, the Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu and the Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu. Various tribal communities celebrate the Bihu festival in different names like Baisagu, Baikhu, Ali- Ai -Ligang, Bohhaggio Bishu, etc. The Nara-siga Bihu, Pushy Par or Tushu Puja, etc. are some of the contemporaries of Magh Bihu. Apart from these, there are also a few other community festivals celebrated in the East Indian villages that include Rongker, Rajini Gabra, Harni Gabra, etc. Ratha Yatra is a major East Indian village festival mostly celebrated in the villages of Orissa and West Bengal. The festival is celebrated in order to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and their sister, Shuvodra to their maternal home. Apart from Ratha Yatra, there are also a few tribal festivals celebrated in the villages of Orissa including the Chaita Parva and Bali Yatra. The East Indian village festivals are famous all over the country for their bright colours and lights. People from all over the country visit the East Indian village during the festivals to experience the villagers' wonderful style of celebration. |