Lesser known festivals of Northeast

Losar, Arunachal Pradesh Tribes like Monpa, Sherdukpens, Memba, Khamba and Nah of Arunachal Pradesh who follow the Mahayana sect of Buddhism celebrate this festival that begins on February 11 each year. The celebration take place for three days wherein people visit their friends, kins and with them Tashi Delek (best wishes) and offer grains on home altars to ensure good harvest

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Saga Dawa, Sikkim This popular Buddhist festival is celebrated in the Tibetan lunar month. Saga Dawa is called the 'Month of Merits' and is celebrate between May and June. The festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

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Dree Festival, Arunachal Pradesh It is a festival of the Apatani tribe but has gained popularity amongst other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh as well. Dree is the biggest festival of the Ziro Valley and is celebrated to ensure a good harvest

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Moatsu Mong, Nagaland This popular fesgtival of the Ao tribe of Nagaland marks the completion of the sowing season. Held in Mokokchung district from May 1 to 3 every year, the festival begins with the cleaning of wells and the brewing of beer. It is a colourful festival that showcases the rich Naga culture

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Anthurium Festival, Mizoram This festival is named after a famous flower and celebrated with great pomp and show in the month of September each year. Reiek, a small village in Mizoram serves as the host and venue for this festival with variety of music, folk dance and cuisine as its highlight

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Lui-ngai-ni, Manipur Celebrated mostly by the Naga tribe residing in Manipur and the people of Nagaland, this festival marks the seed sowing season and takes place in the month of February each year. Lui-Ngai-Ni festival gives out the message of peace and harmony

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Losoong, Sikkim Losoong marks the Sikkimese New Year and is celebrated each year in the month of December. Various dances such as Cham and Black Hat dances are performed at the monasteries while the people drink the locally brewed wine called Chaang. Archery competition is held to lift up the festive spirt

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Nongkrem Dance Festival, Meghalaya It is a five day harvest festival celebrated by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya in the month of November. The people of the Khasi tribe sacrifice goats as a thanksgiving offering to Goddess Ka Blei Synshar. The dance festival is held in Smit, some 15kms from Shillong

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Kharchi Puja, Tripura Once celebrated only by the royals of Tripura, this festival is now commonly observed in every household of the state. It is a 10-day long festival that is marked by animal sacrifice and worshipping of 14 gods as instructed by Lord Shiva. This festival is held in the month of July in Old Agartala or Purani Haveli

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Wangala Festival, Meghalaya It is a winter festival celebrated by the Garo tribe and held in the second week 0f November each year in Asanang village near Tura in the Garo Hills. The festival is celebrate in the honour of Misi Saljong, who is considered to be a generous giver.

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