Experiences

Famous Festival of North East India

The festivals of North East India are a true reflection of the region’s rich culture and community life. The Northeast is home to many states, and each state celebrates festivals in its own unique way. These festivals are colourful and lively and are closely linked to farming, seasons, faith, and tribal traditions.

Bihu in Assam marks the farming cycle and is filled with music and dance. On the contrary, Chapchar Kut in Mizoram celebrates spring after forest clearing for farming. The Adi tribe celebrates Solung in Arunachal Pradesh to pray for a good harvest and protection. These festivals show the strong bond between people and the land they live on.

Some festivals even bring together many tribes and cultures. The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is called the “Festival of Festivals” because all Naga tribes take part. It is often called a famous festival of North East India and is loved for its dances, food, and crafts. Modern festivals like the Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh and the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya add music and art to the cultural scene.

These festivals are also a great way to understand local life. You can plan your trip around the famous festivals of North East India and choose North East tour packages to enjoy culture, food, and traditions in one journey.

Harvest & Seasonal Celebrations

Bihu (Assam) – Celebrates the Assamese farming calendar, especially the harvest season, with folk music and dance.
Chapchar Kut (Mizoram) – Marks the arrival of spring after forest clearing for agriculture, featuring group dances and community feasts.
Solung (Arunachal Pradesh) – Observed by the Adi tribe to pray for good crops, prosperity, and protection from natural calamities.
Losar (Arunachal Pradesh) – Tibetan New Year celebrations marking fresh beginnings, family gatherings, and monastery rituals.
Saga Dawa (Sikkim) – A sacred Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.

Spiritual & Faith-Based Festivals

Ambubachi Mela (Assam) – Held at Kamakhya Temple, celebrating fertility and the earth’s regenerative cycle.
Kharchi Puja (Tripura) – A royal-era festival honouring local deities, with rituals rooted in Tripura’s cultural heritage.
Saga Dawa (Sikkim) – A time of prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection for Buddhist communities.
Losar (Arunachal Pradesh) – Monastic prayers and ceremonial gatherings mark spiritual renewal.
Solung (Arunachal Pradesh) – Rituals dedicated to ancestral spirits and natural forces.

Cultural Unity & Tribal Identity

Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) – Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” showcasing traditions of all Naga tribes in one grand celebration.
Bihu (Assam) – Unites rural and urban communities through shared music, dance, and food.
Chapchar Kut (Mizoram) – Strengthens community bonds through collective celebrations and performances.
Kharchi Puja (Tripura) – Reflects the state’s royal and tribal cultural roots.
Solung (Arunachal Pradesh) – Reinforces tribal identity through age-old customs and rituals.

Modern & Contemporary Festivals

Ziro Music Festival (Arunachal Pradesh) – An open-air music festival blending indie music with Ziro Valley’s scenic landscape.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival (Meghalaya) – Celebrates cherry blossom season with music, food, and cultural showcases.
Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) – Combines tradition with modern events like concerts and exhibitions.
Ziro Music Festival – Brings together artists and travellers from across India and beyond.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival – Adds a modern cultural vibe to Meghalaya’s tourism calendar.

Best North East Tour Packages

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Most Celebrated Festivals Of North East India

01

Bihu - Assam

Bihu is the most important festival of Assam that is celebrated all over the state with great joy. It is a harvest festival that shows the close bond between people and farming. There are three types of Bihu: Bohag Bihu, Magh Bihu, and Kati Bihu. Each one marks a different stage of the farming year.

Also called Rongali Bihu, Bohag Bihu is celebrated in April and welcomes the Assamese New Year and spring season. People wear new clothes, dance to Bihu songs, and share sweets like pitha. Magh Bihu, celebrated in January, is known as the festival of food, in which families enjoy feasts around a bonfire called Meji. Kati Bihu, observed in October, is quieter and focuses on prayers for healthy crops. Many travellers book Assam tour packages to experience Bihu and enjoy its colourful traditions.

Dates:

Bohag (Rongali) Bihu: Mid-April
Magh Bihu: Mid-January
Kati Bihu: October

Duration:

Bohag Bihu: Around 7 days
Magh & Kati Bihu: 1–2 days

Highlights:

High-energy Bihu dance performances set to the rhythm of dhol, pepa, and traditional folk songs
Community celebrations where families exchange sweets, gifts, and blessings for the new year
Meji bonfire rituals during Magh Bihu, followed by large community feasts
Quiet lamp-lighting and prayer rituals during Kati Bihu in fields and courtyards
Markets, cultural programmes, and public events bringing towns and villages together

Best Time to Attend: Bohag Bihu in April offers the most vibrant celebrations and festive atmosphere.

Food to Try:

Til pitha and narikol pitha prepared fresh in Assamese households
Laru made with sesame or coconut, shared during family gatherings
Traditional Assamese meals featuring rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables
Local rice-based sweets and snacks available during festival markets

02

Ambubachi Mela - Assam

Ambubachi Mela is unique among the festivals of North East India as it honours nature, fertility, and womanhood. It is held every year at the famous Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati during the monsoon season, usually in mid-June. This mela celebrates the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, who is worshipped as Mother Shakti. During this time, the temple remains closed for three days, as it is believed that the Goddess rests.

Devotees follow special rituals during these days, like avoiding cooking, farming, and religious rituals. After three days, the temple reopens, and people offer prayers and receive prasad like Angodak (holy water) and Angabastra (a piece of red cloth).

Dates: Usually held in mid-June (dates vary annually based on the lunar calendar)

Duration:4 days (Temple closed for first 3 days)

Location: Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam

Highlights:

Unique rituals marking the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya
Temporary closure of the temple symbolising rest and renewal of the deity
Thousands of devotees, sadhus, and tantrics gathering from across India
Distribution of sacred Angodak and Angabastra after the temple reopens
A rare spiritual atmosphere blending faith, mysticism, and tradition

Best Time to Attend: Visit on the reopening day to witness the main rituals and ceremonies.

Food to Try:

Simple satvik meals served by local ashrams
Seasonal fruits and offerings shared among devotees
Local Assamese vegetarian dishes during the mela

03

Losar (Tibetan New Year) - Arunachal Pradesh

Losar (Tibetan New Year) is a North East India festival that is mainly celebrated by the Monpa tribe in the town of Tawang. It marks the beginning of the new year and the arrival of spring. The festival usually falls in February or March and lasts for three days.

Before the festival, people clean and decorate their houses, and prepare offerings in a ritual called Lama Losar. On the main day, prayers are offered at the famous Tawang Monastery. Families also pray at home and prepare a special noodle soup called guthuk, which contains dumplings with hidden fortune symbols. People greet each other by saying “Tashi Delek,” which means good luck.

Dates: February or March (dates vary as per the Tibetan lunar calendar)

Duration:3 days

Location: Tawang and nearby Monpa villages, Arunachal Pradesh

Highlights:

Prayer ceremonies held at Tawang Monastery to welcome the new year
Homes decorated and cleaned as part of pre-festival preparations
Preparation and sharing of guthuk, a traditional noodle soup with symbolic dumplings
Traditional greetings, cultural performances, and family gatherings
Peaceful monastery chants creating a serene festive atmosphere

Best Time to Attend: Attend the first day to experience monastery prayers and opening rituals.

Food to Try:

Guthuk noodle soup prepared during Losar
Butter tea commonly served in monasteries and homes
Simple Tibetan breads and local dishes

04

Saga Dawa - Sikkim

Saga Dawa is one of the most sacred festivals of North East India that is celebrated by followers of Mahayana Buddhism. Also called the Triple Blessed Festival, this festival marks three important events in the life of Lord Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his attainment of nirvana. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the fourth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, which usually falls in May or June.

During this festival, monks and devotees gather at monasteries like the Tsuk-La-Lang Monastery in Gangtok. They light butter lamps, read holy scriptures called Kajur Texts, and offer prayers. A colourful procession also moves through the streets, led by monks chanting hymns and carrying portraits of Lord Buddha.

Dates: May or June (on the full moon day of the Buddhist lunar calendar)

Duration:1 day (with rituals continuing throughout the week)

Location: Gangtok and major monasteries across Sikkim

Highlights:

Butter lamps lit by monks and devotees as symbols of enlightenment
Peaceful processions led by monks carrying images of Lord Buddha
Chanting of sacred texts inside monasteries
Acts of charity and kindness encouraged among devotees
Streets and monasteries decorated with prayer flags

Best Time to Attend: Visit on the full moon day for the main prayers and processions.

Food to Try:

Simple vegetarian meals offered at monasteries
Traditional Sikkimese dishes like rice, lentils, and vegetable curries
Butter tea served during prayer gatherings

05

Solung - Arunachal Pradesh

Solung is an important agricultural North East India festival of Arunachal Pradesh that is celebrated by the Adi tribe in the first week of September. This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and shows respect for nature and farming. Solung is celebrated for five days, and each day has special rituals.

On the first day, called Sopi-Yekpi, people prepare food and offer sacrifices to Dadi Bote, the god of domestic animals. The second day, Binnayat, is dedicated to Kine Nane, the goddess of crops and food. Prayers are also offered to Doying Bote and Gumin Soyin for protection. The latter days include storytelling about Abotani, the forefather of the tribe, and joyful celebrations.

Dates: First week of September

Duration:5 days

Location: Adi tribe villages across Arunachal Pradesh

Highlights:

Ritual offerings to deities associated with crops, animals, and protection
Community storytelling about Abotani, the ancestral figure of the Adi tribe
Traditional songs and dances performed during evening gatherings
Symbolic ceremonies marking the start of the harvest season
Strong sense of community participation across villages

Best Time to Attend: Attend during the first two days to witness key rituals and ceremonies.

Food to Try:

Rice-based dishes prepared for communal feasts
Locally brewed rice beer served during celebrations
Seasonal vegetables and traditional meat preparations

06

Ziro Music Festival - Arunachal Pradesh

The Ziro Music Festival is a modern festival of Arunachal Pradesh that is held every year in the beautiful Ziro Valley, which is home to the Apatani tribe. Lasting for four days, this festival brings together independent music artists from India and other countries.

Musicians perform on open-air stages made from bamboo, surrounded by green hills and rice fields. Popular artists like Lucky Ali, Indus Creed, and Rewben Mashangva have performed here. Along with music, you can enjoy local food, handicrafts, and village walks. The festival also focuses on nature and uses eco-friendly methods. You can book Arunachal tour packages to enjoy the festival and explore the creative side of Northeast India.

Dates: September (exact dates announced annually)

Duration:4 days

Location: Ziro Valley, Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh

Highlights:

Live performances by independent Indian and international artists
Open-air stages built using bamboo and eco-friendly materials
Scenic views of rice fields and hills surrounding the festival grounds
Cultural interactions with the Apatani tribe through village walks
Focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact

Best Time to Attend: Plan all four days to fully enjoy music, workshops, and local experiences.

Food to Try:

Local Apatani dishes made with fresh ingredients
Festival food stalls serving regional snacks
Traditional rice beer offered in nearby villages

07

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival - Meghalaya

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is a popular festival celebrated in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. It takes place every year in November, when cherry blossom trees bloom and turn the city pink and white. The festival usually lasts for two to three days and attracts visitors from across India.

This festival is popular for its lively music concerts, cultural shows, and fun activities. Famous artists like Akon, Ne-Yo, Jonas Blue, Kanika Kapoor, and Jasleen Royal have performed here. Along with music, you can enjoy local food, fashion shows, art displays, and traditional performances. The beautiful flowers and pleasant weather make Shillong look magical during this time, which makes it a great addition to your Meghalaya tour packages.

Dates: November (exact dates announced annually)

Duration:2–3 days

Location: Shillong city, Meghalaya

Highlights:

Cherry blossom trees in full bloom, turning the city pink and white
Large-scale music concerts featuring Indian and international artists
Cultural performances showcasing Khasi traditions and dance forms
Fashion shows, art installations, and photography zones across the city
Food stalls serving local and global cuisines throughout the festival

Best Time to Attend: Visit during peak bloom days in November for the best visuals and events.

Food to Try:

Jadoh, a traditional Khasi rice and meat dish
Dohneiiong (pork cooked with black sesame)
Local street snacks and festival-style desserts

08

Hornbill Festival - Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival is one of the famous festivals in North East India that is celebrated every year from 1st to 10th December at the Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima. This festival is also called the “Festival of Festivals” because it brings together all major Naga tribes in one place. It is named after the hornbill bird, which is important in Naga culture and folklore.

During the festival, people enjoy traditional Naga dances, folk songs, and warrior performances. You can see tribal huts called Morungs, taste local food like smoked pork and bamboo shoot dishes, and buy handicrafts. Games such as archery and Naga wrestling are also played during the festival. In the evenings, music concerts and rock shows keep the celebration lively.

Dates: 1st December to 10th December

Duration:10 days

Location: Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima, Nagaland

Highlights:

Traditional dances and songs performed by all major Naga tribes
Replica tribal huts (Morungs) displaying crafts, attire, and customs
Indigenous food stalls offering smoked meats and bamboo shoot dishes
Traditional games such as archery, spear throwing, and wrestling
Evening music concerts blending folk, rock, and contemporary sounds

Best Time to Attend: Attend between 1st–3rd December for opening ceremonies and peak festivities.

Food to Try:

Smoked pork with bamboo shoot
Axone-based dishes made with fermented soybeans
Local rice beer served at tribal stalls

09

Chapchar Kut – Mizoram

Chapchar Kut is one of the biggest and most joyful festivals of Mizoram that you must include in your Mizoram tour packages. Celebrated every year in February or March, this festival marks the end of forest clearing for jhum cultivation and welcomes the spring season. Long ago, people celebrated it to thank the gods for protecting them during hard work in the fields.

Today, Chapchar Kut is celebrated with music, dance, and happiness across Mizoram, especially in Aizawl. The main attraction during the festival is the famous Cheraw dance, also called the bamboo dance. Other dances like Chai, Khuallam, and Chheihlam are also performed at this time.

Dates: February or March

Duration:1 day (celebrations may extend locally)

Location: Aizawl and major towns across Mizoram

Highlights:

Grand performances of Cheraw, the iconic bamboo dance
Group dances like Chai, Khuallam, and Chheihlam in traditional attire
Community celebrations marking the end of jhum field clearing
Live music, singing, and cultural programmes across open grounds
Strong community participation with a festive, welcoming atmosphere

Best Time to Attend: Visit on the main festival day for large-scale dance performances.

Food to Try:

Bai, a simple dish made with vegetables and herbs
Smoked meat preparations popular in Mizo cuisine
Rice-based meals served during community feasts

10

Kharchi Puja - Tripura

Kharchi Puja is one of the well-known festivals of North East India that is celebrated every year in July or August at Old Agartala (Puran Agartala) in Tripura. This week-long festival is held at the temple of the Fourteen Gods, also called Chaturdasha Devata, who are the royal deities of the Tripuri people.

During the festival, priests known as Chantai carry the fourteen gods to the Saidra River for a holy bath. After this, the gods are brought back to the temple and worshipped with flowers, vermillion, and offerings, while people pray for peace, good health, and prosperity.

Dates: July or August

Duration:7 days

Location: Old Agartala (Puran Agartala), Tripura

Highlights: