The festivals of Seven Sisters of Northeast India have a cultural appeal of their own. They reflect the fascinating customs and tradition of the tribal belts native to the region, in addition to showcasing beliefs and practices of religion, mostly Hinduism.
Festivals of Assam, Northeast India
Festivals of Assam reflect the state"s rich ancient heritage, spirituality of tribes and sub-tribes and secular lifestyle of people. The major festival of Assam is Bihu, celebrated in 3 different forms in 3 different times during the year - Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu in April, Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in January and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu in October-November. It is the universal Assamese festive occasion involving Bihu folk dance. Tribe specific festivals include Rajini Gabra of Dimasas, Baishagu New Year festival of Bodos, Rongker and Chomangkan of Karbis. Other state festivals include Elephant Festival and Brahmaputra Beach Festival.
Festivals of Tripura, Northeast India
Tripura vividly depicts Hindu tradition through celebrations of Diwali and Buddhism through Buddha Jayanti observed in the Buddha temple at Benuban Vihar in Agartala. Kharchi Puja and Garia Puja are religious festivals celebrated by tribal and non-tribal groups. Orange and Tourism Festival celebrates abundance of orange harvest at Jampui Hills in Tripura.
Festivals of Meghalaya, Northeast India
Meghalaya"s festivals are characterized by love for celebration and zest for life of the populace. The religious ones Behdienkhlam, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Umsan Nongkharai and dance festivals include Doregata, Lahoo and Pomelo dance festivals.
Festivals of Manipur, Northeast India
Manipur festivals fervently showcase the state"s heritage, Lai Haraoba being the most exquisite and colourful of them, where deities and ancestors are worshipped by the natives and an elegant fusion of religious recitations, traditional songs and dance is seen. Other festivals include Rath Jatra, Yaosang, Ningol Chakouba, Gang Ngai and Cheiraoba New Year festival.
Festivals of Nagaland, Northeast India
The chief tribal festivals of Nagaland are Moatsu and Tsungrem Mong of the Ao Nagas, Nazu and Yemshe celebrated by Pochury tribe, Sekrenyi of Angamis and Bushu of Kacharis. Hornbill Festival is regarded the "Festival of Festivals", organized by Government of Nagaland and celebrated grandly in Kohima in the first week of December.
Festivals of Mizoram, Northeast India
Festivals in Mizoram are connected with agriculture, known as Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut in Mizo language. Dance festivals, namely Cheraw (bamboo dance), Solakia and Mithi-rop Lam (dance of the dead) feast are prominent in the state.
Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India
The festivals of Arunachal Pradesh reflect tribal and agricultural lifestyle of the state. Tribal festivals include Losar, Mopin, Solung, Boori-Boot, Dree, Myokoh and Chosker, while the Brahmaputra Darshan Festival projecting River Brahmaputra as symbol of social unity and communal concordance.
