Experience Unique Festivals to Explore North East India During Holidays!

North East India is one of the most stunning and fascinating tourist destinations in India. From snow-capped mountains to rolling tea gardens, and breathtakingly beautiful lakes to pristine forests, North East India has something for everyone. It is home to some of the most diverse cultures and customs, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Along with its breathtaking beauty and diverse landscape, North East India also has some of the most vibrant and colorful festivals in India. From traditional celebrations to modern day celebrations, North East India is the place to be during festival season.

There are a host of festivals celebrated in North East India; some of them are ancient, and some are relatively new. Here is a list of some of the most popular festivals of North East India that you can witness while on your vacation.

Festivals of North East India

1. Mask Dance Festival in Arunachal Pradesh

The Mask Dance Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most popular and vibrant festivals of North East India, celebrated around January and February. This festival is celebrated by the Apatani tribe of the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. During the festival, the tribes perform traditional dances and rituals wearing detailed masks and colorful costumes.

2. Bihu Festival of Assam

The Bihu Festival is one of the most colourful and important festivals of Assam. It is celebrated over three days and is a time of celebration of the new year for the Assamese people. On this occasion, people dress up in traditional clothing and take part in various activities like singing, dancing, feasting, and games. The Bihu festival is celebrated three times in a year – Bohag Bihu in spring, Magh Bihu in summer, and Kaati Bihu in autumn.

3. Sangken Festival of Sikkim

Sangken Festival is a springtime celebration in the Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim. It is typically celebrated by sprinkling water on the monks and other devotees. During the festival, people make offerings to the Dewas and Gods and Goddesses in monasteries and Stupas. People decorate the houses with festoons made of branches of juniper trees and flowers. The celebration also includes the offering of food to the monks, singing, and dancing.

4. Hornbill Festival of Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is celebrated over a period of 10 days in the first week of December. It has been declared as the State’s Cultural Festival by the tourism department of Nagaland. During the festival, the Naga culture and traditions are displayed through various cultural activities like music and dance performances, traditional festivals, sports, food, etc. There are also stalls of handloom and handicraft items in the festival.

5. Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park Festival of Mizoram

The Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park Festival of Mizoram is an annual festival celebrated for five days in the months of October or November. It is celebrated to pay homage to the beauty of the Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park. The festival consists of cultural performances such as traditional song and dances, local sports and activities, and recently, adventure sports too.

6. Khamlang Festival of Meghalaya

Khamlang Festival is celebrated in Meghalaya to commemorate the ascension of the tribal leaders and pay homage to the Gods and Goddesses. According to the legends, the festival was started by the chiefs of the surviving Jaintia families who had been displaced by the attacks of their rivals. During the festival, the people wear traditional costumes and perform various rituals and dances. In recent years, the festival has been marked by colorful performances and some of exciting activities like archery, horse racing, etc.

Conclusion

Festivals of North East India have a long and illustrious history and are celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. From the vibrant Mask Dance Festival of Arunachal Pradesh to the colourful Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park Festival, it is a region that celebrates all kinds of festivities. Whether it is a religious occasion or a traditional festival, North East India will surely keep you spellbound with its beauty, culture, and festivities. So, when you plan your next vacation, don’t forget to include a few of the majestic festivals of North East India in your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the responses to the inquiries about distinctive celebrations worth experiencing in North East India while on vacation.

 What are the festivals celebrated in North East India?

There are various festivals celebrated in North East India. Some of the popular ones are the Mask Dance Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, the Bihu Festival of Assam, the Sangken Festival of Sikkim, the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, the Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park Festival of Mizoram, and the Khamlang Festival of Meghalaya.

What is the Mask Dance Festival of Arunachal Pradesh?

The Mask Dance Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most popular and vibrant festivals of North East India, celebrated around January and February. During the festival, the tribes perform traditional dances and rituals wearing detailed masks and colorful costumes.

When is the Bihu Festival celebrated?

The Bihu Festival is celebrated three times in a year – Bohag Bihu in spring, Magh Bihu in summer, and Kaati Bihu in autumn.