We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
The north east is known for its rich cultural traditions, the many tribal cultures and colourful compelling festivals that convey the spirit of the people and the land. A north east festival is often a celebration of traditions and lifestyles and most importantly the people who join in wholeheartedly. Every state here has its unique festivals that it celebrates with a great deal of fanfare.
Most festivals are connected to agriculture and some are celebrated to rejoice over a new year. Some of the north east festivals are also related to Buddhism. People from different tribes get together and bond during these festivals and there is delicious food, music, vibrant costumes, singing and dancing which makes these festivals such fun. Some of the famous festivals that are celebrated here include Bihu in Assam, Durga Puja in Tripura, Diwali, Dol Jatra (Holi), Buddha Jayanti as well as universal festivals such as Christmas, New Year, Eid etc. But there are certain north east events that are unique and specific to the regions where they are celebrated.
If you are excited about the idea of visiting the north east to partake in festivals, the SOTC website is a great place to check for offers and deals on North East packages.
Let us look at some of them:
Losar marks the Tibetan New Year. Various tribes and the Mahayana Buddhist sect come together to celebrate this three-day festival in February every year. Although spiritual observance ends in three days, the festival can go up to 10 to 15 days too.
A major northeast festival, the Ambubachi Mela is held in Assam during the month of June in the Kamakhya temple. Devotees from all over come here during this time and the temple is closed for three days.
A festival that Nagaland’s Ao tribe celebrates is for the completion of the sowing season. The three-day festival is held in May every year in Mokokchung district, when wells are cleaned, and beer is brewed. People enjoy various local delicacies at this time and there are several cultural programs as well.
This is a Buddhist festival that is celebrated in Sikkim between the months of May and June on a full moon day that falls in the middle of the lunar month. Buddhists consider this day to be auspicious and people gather at monasteries or go around the Gompas and turn prayer wheels.