Preserving the past, Celebrating the present, and Embracing the future.
FESTIVALS
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The Nyokum Festival is celebrated by the Nyishi tribe of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The word "Nyokum" is derived from the combination of two words – "Nyok," meaning land (earth), and "Kum," meaning collectiveness or togetherness. Therefore, the Nyokum festival can be interpreted as inviting all the Gods and Goddesses of the universe, with the Nyokum Goddess as the principal deity, to a particular venue at a specific time. The festival is celebrated by people from all walks of life for better productivity, prosperity, and happiness for all human beings on earth.
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Significance
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The festival is closely linked with cultivation. The Nyokum goddess, the goddess of prosperity, is invoked for her blessings to ensure a bountiful harvest in the next season, ward off famine, prevent natural disasters like droughts or floods, and protect crops from pests and animals. The Nyishi believe that maintaining harmony between man, God, and nature is essential for peace and prosperity on earth. They worship to propitiate benevolent Gods and Goddesses to protect them and ward off malevolent spirits.
Rituals
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During the festival, a main prayer structure called the Yugang is constructed from bamboo, alongside which sacrificial animals like mithuns, goats, and chickens are tethered. The Nyubh, or traditional priest, specifies the types and number of animals for sacrifice and other offerings. Idols are not used in this worship, and there are no permanent structures. Offerings also include wine made from millet seeds and rice paste.
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Participants wear traditional clothing, with men donning cotton eri robes, bead necklaces, and bamboo woven caps adorned with feathers or furs. Women wear par ej (traditional attire), earrings, bead necklaces, and headdresses made of finely scraped bamboo. Singing and dancing precede the main ritual, where guests are welcomed with rice paste powder and millet seed beer. The festivities include group singing and dancing, with men occasionally engaging in mock fights with dao (short swords) and shields made of animal hide.
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The Nyokum Festival encapsulates the Nyishi tribe's reverence for nature, community, and ancestral traditions, making it a significant cultural event in Arunachal Pradesh.
Yugang (Altar) @Nyokum 2024, Itanagar
Upper Part of Yugang, Nyokum 2024, Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar
Celebration
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The celebration officially starts on 20th February.
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Each day from 20th February to 25th February, the sports, skits, and other activities (competition) are held while entertainment activities (song, dance, etc. competition) are held after dusk.
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The celebration is also exhibits with food stalls, photoshoot point, decorations, etc.
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On 26th February, the rituals and animal sacrifice is observed followed by Buyah (Common Line Dance) and other dances.
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The festivals officially ends on 26th February.
