Exploring the Vibrant North-East Through its Festivals

Panaji, November 2023 – Although Goa offers both tourists and locals alike reasons to stay and never leave, there is always a yearning to learn more about the cultures present across the Indian subcontinent. Northeast India is a region that requires more thorough exploration and appreciation. Many parallels can be drawn between the Northeast and Goa – the most notable is the shared love for championing the importance of the environment and the numerous cultural festivals conducted in both states.

The Northeast region of India, which comprises the contiguous states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, is home to a variety of festivals. These events are not only musical fests, but also highlight elements from the natural universe.

Planning a trip to Northeast India is now easier than ever. Direct air routes are accessible from Goa and visitors can also utilise the well-established train network to have a fun-filled journey to their destination of choice.

1. Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, Meghalaya (November 17 to November 19, 2023)

Packed with performances by global megastar musicians headlining the event like Ronan Keating, Ne-Yo, Jonas Blue and Sanam, among others, this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit for music enthusiasts. There will be six international and 50 national and local musicians performing, guaranteeing everyone’s musical preferences being catered to. Visitors can get their groove on while admiring the canopy of seasonal pinkish-purple cherry blossoms.

For more information, visit: https://www.shillongcherryblossom.com/

2. Raas Leela in Majuli, Assam (November 21 to November 24, 2023)

A highly spiritual festival celebrated over four days, devotees of Lord Krishna ought to pay this annual event a visit. It celebrates the Majuli people’s tradition to pay their obeisance to Lord Krishna by enacting his Raas Leela or ‘Dance of Divine Love’ in a musical performance.  

The main activities include Bhouna (plays), mask-making, pottery, boat-making, song and dances of various communities. A variety of local delicacies from traditional and tribal Assam cuisine can also be sampled.

For more information, visit: https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/raas-leela-in-majuli

3. Sangai Festival, Manipur (November 21 to November 30, 2023)

This annual festival is named after Manipur’s state animal, the sangai – an endangered species of deer endemic to the state. Every edition of the festival showcases products and activities from the field of arts and culture, handloom, handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisine, music and local adventure sports. It is a gateway to experiencing the rich culture of Manipur firsthand and raises awareness in its own unique manner about the sangai’s conservation status.

For more information, visit: https://liamtra.com/blog/sangai-festival-the-cultural-essence-of-manipur/

4. The Hornbill Festival, Nagaland (November 31 to December 8, 2023)

Named after the Indian Hornbill that makes an appearance in the state’s ethnic groups’ folklore, this annual festival serves as a unifying celebration that showcases the diverse cultures of Nagaland’s tribes. Those who wish to gain an understanding of the local traditions should not miss this festival. Festival highlights include local foods, indigenous sports and participating in games, among others. In an effort to make the festival widely accessible, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) is offering special tour packages this year, with immersive experiences guaranteed.

For more information, visit: https://www.hornbillfestival.com/irctc-offers-special-tour-packages-for-hornbill-festival

5. Orange Festival of Adventure & Music, Arunachal Pradesh (December 14 to December 17, 2023)

Taking place in Dambuk, the festival gets its name from the premium oranges that fill the orchards in winter. During the day, visitors can choose to participate in a variety of adventurous activities like paragliding, white water rafting and even ride in a hot air balloon. At night, dance your heart out to an eclectic line-up of talented musicians like Inner Circle, Bombay Vikings, Leslie Lewis and many more.

For more information, visit: https://orangefestivaldambuk.in/

6. Kut Festivals, Mizoram (December, January, February, March)

For tourists who want to gain insight into local farming practices, the Kut festivals comprise a number of annual festivals that revolve around the celebration of these traditions in Mizoram, namely ‘jhum cultivation’ (slash-and-burn farming). Common to all, of which only three are mentioned below, is the performance of folk dances and traditional songs.

Chapchar Kut is a major spring festival celebrated during the first week of March after clearing the forests for jhum cultivation. Pawl Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in either December or January. Khuado Kut is celebrated by the Paite community and is a symbolic thanksgiving festival for a bountiful harvest.

For more information, visit: https://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/fairs-festivals

7. Ziro Festival of Music, Arunachal Pradesh (2024 Dates TBA)

An annual event that celebrates cultural diversity and sustainability, the Ziro Festival of Music promotes indigenous tribes and artists from Northeast India while showcasing independent musicians from the Indian and global music scene. Located in the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, the festival is ideal for those who wish to enjoy themselves sustainably.

Locally-sourced materials like bamboo are utilised for the event and they invite local community members to host visitors, another nod to eco-friendliness.
The next edition of the festival is scheduled for 2024.

For more information, visit: https://zirofestival.com/

8. Saga Dawa, Sikkim (May-June)

One of the biggest annually hosted festivals of Sikkim, the auspicious Saga Dawa or ‘Triple Blessed Festival’ is celebrated by the followers of Mahayana Buddhism who commemorate the birth, achievement of enlightenment and attainment of nirvana of Lord Buddha. This festival is ideal for those curious about Buddhist culture, as they have a variety of colourful religious ceremonies and street processions.
The main celebration falls on the full moon of the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar (celebrated as Buddha Purnima in the rest of India).

For more information, visit: https://www.sikkimtourism.gov.in/Public/ExperienceSikkim/FairsAndFestivalDetails/FF20A077?type=Festival

Charmingly hospitable and fiercely proud of its heritage, identity, environment, music and cuisine, Northeast India almost evokes a spirit akin to that of Goemkarponn, simulating a home away from home. This is why a visit to attend the festivals there is definitely warranted and Goa’s doors are always open to tourists from the Northeast to reciprocate that feeling of belonging!