Festivals of North East India – Cultural and Music Festivals

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Are you planning to attend cultural or music festivals of North East India? If yes, you are at the right place.

In this article, I will share about different festivals of North East India of all genres and from all eight states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, and Sikkim.

The festivals of Northeast India are usually celebrated during the winter and spring seasons.

Whether it is agro-based festivals, music festivals, or cultural festivals the ethnic touch and influence are reflected in each of the festivals.

FESTIVALS OF NORTH EAST INDIA: STATE-WISE

1. ASSAM 

Majuli Music Festival

Majuli, the largest river island in the world, has been known for its Vaishnavite Satras, the culture of the Mising ethnic group, wildlife and eco-tourism places like Chetia Gaon, and Tengapania.

A new feather to the tourism sector of Majuli Island is the Majuli Music Festival. Mukul Doley and Momee Pegu – are the founders of the festival. They launched it in the year 2019.

The Majuli Music Festival is held for 3 days in November and is a not-for-profit festival organized on the serene and laid-back banks of the Brahmaputra River. 

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In 2024, the 22nd to 24th of November are the official dates of the Majuli Music Festival in Assam.

In 2022, Lucky Ali, Salman Elahi, Rum and Monkeys, etc. were some renowned artists and bands who graced the festival. Local bands like Miri The Band, Jutimala, and the Tai Folks also performed.

I attended Salman Elahi and Lucky Ali’s shows at the Majulu Music Festival. Since childhood, songs like “Na tum jano na hum” and “O Sanam” have been my favourites.

Salman Elahi’s – “Mera dil, kahi dur, pahado mein, kho gaya” – resonates with me a lot.

It was a surreal experience to watch him sing the songs live and the moment everyone started singing along with him.

Read this article on YourStory about the Majuli Music Festival where Mukul Doley, the founder was interviewed.

During the Majuli Music Festival, you can stay at campsites near the venue. I stayed at Adventure Destination Campsite in 2022.

You can search for hotels and homestays at Booking.com for other options.

Dwijing Festival (River Festival)

The Dwijing Festival is held for 12 days under the Hangrama Bridge along the banks of the Aie River in the Chirang District of Assam.

Formerly known as the Aie River Festival, the Dwijing Festival is celebrated by the Bodo ethnic group in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam.  

This festival brings out the best of the regional and Indigenous culture with local handicrafts, art installations, shops, folk music, folk dances, ethnic food, traditional games, and fairs.

Here’s a YouTube Video on Dwijing Festival –

Adventure activities that you can do at the Dwijing Festival are paragliding and hot air balloon rides. 

Trying local authentic delicacies and buying handicraft items like the beautifully woven dokhonas – will ensure you have an enriching cultural experience.

End your day dancing to the beats of Bodo Traditional music and the performances of the local and regional artists, sometimes renowned Bollywood singers.

Find out places to stay in Chirang district on Booking.com during the Dwijing Festival.

The sad news is, the festival was last organised in the 2019-20 season. I hope it will be organised again soon.

Falcon Festival

Each year in the middle of December, the Falcon Festival is held in Umrangso of Dima Hasao district of Assam.

It is celebrated to spread awareness about the migration and conservation of the Amur Falcon (the world’s longest-flying migratory bird) and to showcase the traditions and culture of the Dimasa people. 

This 3-day festival is jam-packed with activities along the stunning views and rolling hills taking the visitors on a different level. The Dirt Bike Race in Falcon Festival is another attraction of the festival.

This YouTube Video of the Falcon Festival is a must-watch –

The main attractions of the festival are the different traditional food and beverage shops, tribal handicrafts and folk music and dance performances.

There are also fashion and photography contests, cycling trekking and camping trips and bonfires.

Don’t forget to click pictures in the traditional attires available there and you can even buy them. 

You can also take a trip to Halflong. It is the only hill station in Assam. The Dome train journey from Guwahati to Halflong is another beautiful journey you can opt for.

Stay at Umrangso Resort during the Falcon Festival. It is nearby.

Karbi Youth Festival

Every year from the 15th to the 19th of February,  the Karbi Youth Festival is organised in Taralangso which is on the outskirts of Diphu Town in Assam.

Karbi Youth Festival is one of the oldest ethnic youth festivals celebrated in India since 1974. 

This 5-day festival plans to uphold and preserve the culture of the Karbi people for future generations to know and for visitors to see. 

The festival starts with indigenous tribal rituals such as Ronger, and Botor Kekur. Then there are folk dance and music performances throughout the day several times.

Watch this video of the Karbi Youth Festival 2020 on YouTube –

Ethnicity can be seen in all the things in the festival. There are thousands of ethnic artists or skilled workers with their stalls and exhibitions.

The Karbi traditional dresses are one of my favourites. I have bought two traditional Karbi Waist Coats. ( you can see the red one in my about-page photo)

The Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) organised the “Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Karbi Youth Festival 2024″ from January 12th to 19th.

In Diphu, you can stay at Lakeland Homestay Diphu.

2. ARUNACHAL PRADESH 

Ziro Music Festival

The Ziro Music Festival is often described as one of the ‘most happening’ music festivals in India. This year, i.e. in 2024, the Ziro Music Festival will be organised from the 26th to the 29th of September.

The Apatani tribe of the Ziro Valley is known for their zeal for music and there couldn’t have been a better venue for the festival. The festival is organised in Biirii Village in Ziro of Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh.

It is an outdoor music festival with artists and audiences from all over India and none less international. 

Here’s a glimpse of the festival in 2023 –

The festival is not known for only one type of genre or band performing. The more the expectations the larger the number of artists and genres of music.

You’ll find folk, rock, Indie, jazz, classical and whatnot. All these are divided into two stages- the Danyi stage and the Pwlo stage so that it is not overcrowded, and the visitors can decide what they would like to listen to.  

Here’s the performance of Taba Chake, one of my favourite Singer from Arunachal Pradesh –

The food is always amazing with plenty of traditional food stalls and local alcoholic beverages.

The venue itself is iconic. Gather your friends, grab a picnic blanket, sip into a bamboo cup of local rice wine, and vibe along! 

Campsites are set up by various travel companies during the festival. You can either stay at campsites or at Odyssey Stays Ziro, located adjacent to the Ziro Festival of Music playground.

Basar Confluence

The December festival is everything that a ‘community-led tribal tourism festival’ should be.

The Basar Confluence or Bascon is held in Basar, Arunachal Pradesh which comprises 32 Galo villages.

It is organised by the NGO Gumin Rego Kilaju (GRK) based in the LepaRada district of Arunachal Pradesh. Basar is the headquarters of LepaRada district.

All the events, celebrations and activities are strictly traditional, and modern elements are kept to a minimum. The organizing committee tries to keep the festival plastic and sustainable. 

Here’s a YouTube Video by Arunachal Tourism on Basar Confluence –

In the festival you’ll find folk dance and music performances; there will also be special war dance performances that will make you sway to their energetic beats.

Other attractions are the traditional community fishing where you can learn the traditional fishing techniques. These indigenous rituals give you the essence of an authentic cultural experience. 

The main attraction is the sportsmen who gather to compete in traditional sports such as archery, bamboo climbing, and tug of war.

Don’t miss the traditional sports and adventure sports at the festival. Basar Confluence gives you a more raw experience compared to the others.

In 2024, the Basar Confluence will be organised from the 6th of December to the 8th of December.

3. MANIPUR 

Shirui Lily Festival

This 4–5-day festival celebrates the blooming of the state flower of Manipur, the Shirui Lily (Kashong Timrawon in the local dialect).

This rare pink and white flower brings forward a celebration which is a blend of both traditions and modern elements. 

Various tribes and communities of Manipur gather together for the festival which offers a lot to see and do throughout the day.

There are live folk dances, musical performances, and local food delicacies of huge variety. The Manipuri street foods like singju and bora with ngari- tomato chutney were scrumptious.   

Here’s a video on YouTube showing the Shirui Lily Festival and Shirock –

Traditional handicraft displays and shops are also set up where one can get rare and ethnic items.

Traditional games and beauty pageants (Miss Shirui Lily) with their flamboyant presentation are sure to attract visitors.

However, the highlight of the festival is ‘Shirock’, a musical show consisting of live concerts of different genres.

Musicians from Manipur, and other Northeastern and international bands, all make the crowd go into a frenzy and a different level during the festival.

Visitors can opt to stay in homestays or hotels, camping near the venue in the Ukhrul district where the festival is celebrated.

For thrill and adventure sports like dirt biking, downhill cycling won’t disappoint you.

4. MEGHALAYA 

Cherry Blossom Festival

Meghalaya’s Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in November in Shillong.

The festival is celebrated when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. In 2024, it will be organised from the 17th to the 26th of November. Are you coming?

Along with enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms you can also enjoy the various events throughout the day.

There are fashion shows, local wine-making competitions, graffiti competitions, beauty pageants like Mr And Miss Shillong Cherry Blossom, Korean and Japanese food, and local delicacies.

Here’s a video on the Cherry Blossom Festival of Shillong, Meghalaya –

However, the two main highlights of the festival are – the cosplay competitions and the musical extravaganza.

Cosplayers from all over India gather here for the contest and it can be a real treat to watch them dress up as different anime characters. 

There are ample options to stay in Shillong. I recently stayed at Maw’s Hospitality – Bed and Breakfast after returning from Mawlyngbna.

Wangala Festival (Festival of the Hundred Drums)

The Wangala Festival is held in Tura, the largest town in the Garo Hills every year. It is celebrated in honour of the Sun God (Misi Salijong) thanking him for a good harvest. It marks the end of the harvesting season.

Usually, it is celebrated in November, but the dates may vary. In 2023, it was officially organised from the 9th to the 11th of November.

The name of the festival itself suggests that it is a very colourful and joyous festival. On the very first day of the festival, you’ll get to experience the Rugala ritual which translates to the dance of a hundred drums.

You would love to watch this video on Wangala Festival by Chris2Go on YouTube –

The atmosphere turns eccentric and joyful with the beating of the drums and is a unique experience along with the traditional dances. 

The second day is called Kakkat and people dress up in their traditional colourful outfits and dance to the tunes of the orchestra in parallel lines and is a sight to behold. 

Try “Bitchi” – the traditional rice wine of the Garos. You can also wear their local dresses and headgears.

After attending the festival, go on an adventure to Wari Chora – the place with clear blue water, and river canyons.

In Tura, you can stay at Hotel Polo Orchid.

Nongkrem Dance Festival

The religious Nongkrem Dance Festival is celebrated at Smit, the cultural centre of the Khasi Hills, usually during November (11 km from Shillong).

It has great significance for the Khasi people as they honour their goddess Ka Blei Synshar for blessings of good harvest and prosperity. 

The five-day festival kicks off with a traditional ceremonial goat sacrifice to the goddess as the word Nongrem itself means goat.

Watch this video by DD Meghalaya Official on YouTube about the Nongkrem Festival –

After the offerings are made to the goddess, the air is filled with cheerful music and dance performances.  

Young people from the Khasi tribe get decked in their colourful ethnic clothes and perform several traditional dances to appease the goddess. 

There are local crafts shops at the festival along with the vivid handloom products crafted by the tribes residing in and around the area, don’t miss out on the local dishes, especially the jadoh. 

Check out the different options for accommodation in the Smit area.

5. MIZORAM 

Chapchar Kut Festival

Kut means festival, the Chapchar Kut is celebrated after the tedious clearing out of the land for jhum cultivation.

The modern-day Chapchar Kut brings together all the tribes and communities of Mizoram. It is celebrated mainly between March and April. 

Here’s a video by WildFilmsIndia on YouTube about Chapchar Kut Festival –

In this festival, you’ll see men and women all decked in their traditional attire with regal headgear. There are several traditional dance performances such as the Khuallam dance, Chawnglai Zawn dance, etc.

The highlight is always the Cheraw dance (bamboo dance). You got to participate in Chhawnghnawh – an old custom tradition of stuffing boiled eggs into each other’s mouths. 

Here’s a video on Cheraw Dance –

Other attractions are the Mizo traditional games along with their vibrant costume parades. There are also art and craft exhibitions and stalls along with photography exhibitions.

As always, the marvellous ethnic food stalls are a must. There are beauty pageants as well. Ending with more dance and musical performances. 

The captial city of Mizoram – Aizawl has some good staying options. Check out the staying options in Aizawl here.

6. NAGALAND 

Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival is a 10-day annual cultural festival of Nagaland that brings together all the 16 tribes and subtribes of Nagaland to celebrate what is known as the Festival of Festivals. 

It is celebrated in the first 10 days of December in Kisama Heritage Village. The festival gives a glimpse of Naga culture in full glory and the best of everything a festival can offer. 

I attended it in December 2023 – the last three days of the Hornbill Festival. Kisama Heritage is about is about 77 km from Dimapur Railway Station.

The events start as early as 9:30 AM. You can start the day by visiting the different morungs or community spaces of the different tribes and get to know about their culture, rituals, dresses and dances.

Here’s a video on the Hornbill Festival by Tribal Girl – Amita Chhoriga Negi, a friend of mine from Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh –

Each Naga ethnic group is different from the other – speaking their language (dialect), unique cultural dresses and traditional cuisines.

You can also enjoy tribal groups performing their folk dances; each with different themes of war dances, harvesting, and victory dances.

Here’s a video where I danced with the Khiamniungan Nagas –

With beautiful attires and distinctive headgear, the dances enthralled me as well as the rest of the audience.  

Here’s a video of cultural performances at night –

Try local dishes at the Morungs of the Naga ethnic groups. I tried Akhuni at the Morung of Sumi Nagas.

As you sip the local rice wine from bamboo cups, you can also shop for souvenirs from handicraft shops such as the Naga shawl, beaded jewellery, and bamboo art pieces.

Homestays, hotels and campsites get pre-booked months before the festival starts. Make sure to book the hotels in Kohima in advance.

Sekrenyi

Sekrenyi or the Phousanyi is the cultural festival of the Angami tribe of Nagaland. It is celebrated in February for about 10 days.  

This festival signifies the purification and sanctification before going to war.

If you attend the festival, you’ll get an up-close look at the rituals and sacrificial ceremonies of the members of the Angami tribe.

Watch this video on Sekrenyi Festival 2024 beautifully captured by Tiapong Tzudir (Yatra Kid) –

It has also been called the Mini Hornbill Tribal Festival. 

Thekra Hie is an important and interesting part of the festival when the young people of the village sit together and sing traditional songs throughout.

In 2024, Sekrenyi was organised in Dimapur. After the festival, if you wish to know things to do in Dimapur, here’s an article I wrote on how to explore Dimapur based on my experience.

Check out the places to stay in Dimapur.

7. SIKKIM

Pang Lhabsol

Pang Lhabsol festival is celebrated in Sikkim in honour of the Mountain God Mt. Kanchenjungha – the highest peak in India and the third-highest peak in the world.

In Gangtok, you can attend the Pang Lhabsol festival in Tsuklakhang Monastery. It is celebrated on a large scale at this monastery. You can witness it in different monasteries around Sikkim too.

Mt. Kanchenjunga is a sacred mountain among the Lepchas of Sikkim. The festival also signifies the Blood-Brotherhood treaty establishing unity among the Lepchas and Bhutias – between Nature Worshipping and Tibetan Buddism.

The masked dance and warrior dance are the highlight of the festival. The dancer wearing the red mask, flags, and five human skulls represents the mountain God – Khangchendzonga.

The dancer wearing a black mask represents Yabdu – the Supreme Commander of Khangchendzonga. The other dancers represent the warriors wearing the battle attire of the Sikkimese. This warrior dance is called Pangtoed Chaam.

During the festival, don’t miss the entry of Mahakala. He is considered as the one who protects the faith. He also commands both Yabdu and the diety Khangchendzonga to protect the faith and maintain the peace in Sikkim.

In 2024, Pang Lhabsol will be organised on September 18th. The festival follows the Tibetan calendar, and it falls on the 15th day of the 7th month.

Check out the places where you can stay in Gangtok during the festival.

8. TRIPURA

Ashokastami Festival

The Ashokastami Festival is also known as the Unakoti Festival. It is celebrated in February every year at Unakoti.

Unakoti Rock Carvings in Tripura are sacred in Hinduism. The rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva and other Hindu gods were sculpted on the vertical rock surfaces and fallen boulders of Raghunandan Hills (Unakoti Hills).

The devotees take a dip at the natural reservoir called Ashtamikunda during Maghi Sankranti in February. The water of the natural pool is said to be crystal clear and cold.

Attending the Ashokastami Festival and exploring Unakoti Rock Carvings in Tripura – will be a wonderful cultural experience for you.

For the Unakoti Festival, you can stay in the Kailashahar area – about 10 km from Unakoti Rock Carvings.

Summing it Up

I hope this article on Festivals of North East India, gives you a fair idea about when and how to plan your trip.

Northeast India has more locally celebrated cultural festivals. Here, I have tried to add a few cultural and music festivals.

Although the music festivals like in Ziro and Majuli primarily focus on folk and modern music. It also allows showcasing the culture of the local people.

Festivals like the Hornbill Festival and Karbi Youth Festival focus primarily on aspects of culture like traditional music, games, dresses, and art forms among others.

Each of the festivals of North East India has adventure activities along with music and culture. Diversity everywhere!

Shad Nongkrem, Sekrenyi, Pang Lhabsol, Ashokastami, Wangala, and Chapchar Kut are more deeply associated with religion, folk culture, community and agriculture.

During your visit to any of the festivals, I highly recommend you carry a waist bag so that you don’t lose your phone, wallet and other small essentials.

Among the festivals mentioned in this article, which one have you attended?

Want me to add more festivals to this article? Suggest the festival name in the comments.

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