The temple festivals of Northeast Indian states reflect religious beliefs, tribal customs and culture.
Temple Festivals of Assam, Northeast India
The temple festivals of Assam are celebrated all through the year in some specific religious months. The Assamese Hindus observe Durga Puja, Daul Utsava, Janmashtami, Shivaratri, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali pujas. There are also tribal festivals celebrated in tribal temples. Bihu, the universal festival of the Assamese, witnesses offerings made in the temples to Gods and Goddesses for more prosperity in occupation. Devaddhvani is a noteworthy temple festival held at Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati. It lasts for 3 days from the last day of Shraavana till the second day of Bhadra. Manasa festival at Kamakhya honours the Snake goddess Manasa, also called "Visahari" (the remover of poison).
Temple Festivals of Tripura, Northeast India
Temple festivals of Tripura predominantly showcase Hindu culture. Kharchi Puja is the worship of fourteen deities, together called Chaturdasha Devata, in the Chaturdasha Temple near Old Agartala. Garia Puja is the tribal festival of 7 days starting from the last day of Chaitra, deities Kalia and Garia being worshipped.
Temple Festivals of Meghalaya, Northeast India
The temple festivities in Meghalaya attract tribal groups all across northeast India, thoroughly reflecting their deep-rooted culture. Wangala is an important temple festival among the Garo tribe, held in honour of Saljong, the Sun God of fertility. It marks the end of period of toil, which brings good yield to the fields.
Temple Festivals of Manipur, Northeast India
Manipur temple festivals are well known for their merriments and cultural tradition. Lai Haraoba is the most significant temple festival held in May, in worship of sylvan deities known as Umang Lai. Cheiraoba is the celebration of Meitei New Year in April, when people prepare special festive dishes that are first offered to temple deities.
Temple Festivals of Nagaland, Northeast India
Nagaland temple festivals are mostly tribal and seasonal, revolving around agriculture. Moatsu is celebrated by the Ao Nagas in the first week of May with much veneration. After the sowing is over, this festival provides them recreation and amusement, marked by cultural performances within the temples.
Temple Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India
Arunachal Pradesh temple festivals again relate to tribal lifestyle and agriculture. Dances and animal sacrifice form essential part of the festivals, which include Mopin and Solung of Adis, Sherdukpens and Boori-Boot of the Hill Miris, Losar of Monpas, Dree of Apatanis and so on.
Temple Festivals of Mizoram, Northeast India
In Mizoram, there are 3 main religious festivals, called together in Mizo language as "Kut". Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut are associated with agricultural harmony and celebrated with pious ceremonies, feasts and dances.
