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Culture

Breaking News

<p>5 July 2018:</p><p>Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu have extended their heartiest greetings to each and every citizen of the State on the occasion of Dree, the annual agriculture based festival of the Apatani community.</p><p>The Governor said that Dree Festival is the traditional identity of the Apatani tribe, which they have proudly and conscientiously preserved since time immemorial. Celebration of the indigenous festivals helps the preservation, development and transition of the ancestral values and ethnic identity to future generations. Continued observance of these festivals is closely connected with the beliefs, rites, social acceptances and peace promoting practices. It, therefore, devolves on us, the people of the State, to stay informed and involved in protecting our culture and heritage through these festive celebrations, he added.</p><p>The CM also mentioned in his message- “Ours is a distinct state with several tribes and communities residing side by side for ages and maintaining their own unique indigenous culture and traditions. Despite our varied diversity, we as Arunachalees are united and take pride in our indigenous cultural heritage. This cultural mosaic has to be maintained, preserved and propagated at all costs while keeping intact our unity in diversity”.</p>

dree festival

ARUNACHAL PRADESH: GUV, CM EXTENDED FREE GREETINGS

<p>6 July 2018:</p><p>Dree, the annual agriculture based festival of the Apatani community of Arunachal Pradesh, was on Thursday celebrated across the State, including Ziro plateau, with much pomp and gaiety.</p><p>Notwithstanding heavy rains, huge numbers of festival revellers, including males and females, young and the old alike in their best traditional attires thronged the Dree ground at Papu Nallah near Itanagar to celebrate their most popular festival. Greeting all a happy Dree on the occasion, the chief guest, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein commended the Apatani community for jealously up keeping their cultural identity that was handed down by their forefathers through ages.</p><p>He said that because of their efforts in keeping their traditions and culture alive, Ziro Valley is known all over the world today and many tourists from across the globe come to see the valley. The Deputy Chief Minister further assured that the State Govt will give every support to enable the Apatani cultural landscape in Ziro Valley to be declared as one of the World Heritage Sites.</p><p>Hailing Arunachal Pradesh as a hot-bed for research scholars due to its rich, diverse culture and traditions, he said the State Government has kept budgetary provisions for research and documentation of the unique tribal culture &amp; traditions.</p><p>Making a mention of present period of technology and innovations, he called upon the youths to use the technology to their advantage in more positive way. He urged them to shun the negativity and instead make use of internet like YouTube and social media for promotion and publicity of our unique cultures, scenic beauties and beautiful landscape to the outside world which would give fillip to tourists flow in the State.</p><p>Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who was the special guest on the occasion, praised the Apatani community for contributing immensely towards the progress of the State. Further appreciating the ‘hardworking’ Apatanis’ agricultural practices including paddy cum fish culture, and their cultural advancements, etc, the former CM said the community has contributed vastly towards human resource development in the State.</p><p>Citing the joint peace accord inked by Tanw Supun Dukun (the apex council of Apatanis) and Nyishi Elite Society (the apex body of the Nyishi community) three years back, Tuki said it has emboldened the sense of fraternity, cultural affinity between the two tribes towards maintaining peace and communal harmony.</p><p>Advocating preservation and promotion of cultural traditions, Tuki also had the words of advice for the youths asking them to stick to their culture and traditions and learn more about their cultural roots from their elders otherwise they will fade into oblivion.</p><p>Chief patron of the festival committee cum Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso also addressed the gathering.</p><p>Major highlights of the celebration were presentation of Dree mythology in the form of a drama by artists, performances of ‘Pree’ dance, multi-tribe dance (depicting pan Arunachal identity) and the most popular folk dance ‘Daminda’</p>

dree

ARUNACHAL PRADESH: APATANIS CELEBRATE DREE FESTIVAL WITH GAIETY

<p>Guwahati, November 1, 2018:</p><p>The Kuki Communities of Guwahati and adjoining areas on Thursday Celebrated the 18th Chavang Kut Festival at Srimanta Kalakshetra in Guwahati.</p><p>The event  included colourful traditional dance in their traditional attires which was magnificiently displayed by all.</p><p>It may be mentioned here that the Kukis are spread over the North eastern states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur having their own customs and traditions.</p><p>The Chavang Kut is the main festival of the Chin- Kuki tribes which show case the the fulfillment of rich harvest after prolong labour. The same event is celebrated all across Kuki dominated places of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.</p>

Kuki Communities

Kuki communities celebrates 18th Chavang Kut Festival

Entertainment

<p><h4>Guwahati, March 10, 2019:</h4></p><p>Today, Assamese cinema has completed 84 years of existence as it was on this day (10th March) that Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s ‘Joymoti’, the first Assamese film, was released in Calcutta.</p><p>The film was based on Lakshminath Bezbaruah’s play about the 17th-century Ahom princess Joymoti, the film was produced and directed by the noted Assamese poet, author, and film-maker Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla, and starred Aideu Handique and acclaimed stage actor and playwright Phani Sharma. The film, shot between 1933 and 1935, was released by Chitralekha Movietone in 1935 and marked the beginning of Assamese Cinema.</p><p>In 1926, Agarwala went to England for higher studies in humanities. But a creative mind like his could not confine itself within the four walls of the classroom for long. He went to Germany and received formal training in production and direction of films in the famous Universal Filmen Akitien Gerehalft Studio.</p><p>After coming back to the homeland, he got involved in the freedom movement. He wrote the screenplay of "Joymoti" while in Silchar jail.</p>

Joymoti

Assamese Cinema completes 84 glorious years of existence

Assam

<p><h4>Guwahati May 7,2019</h4></p><p>It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset. Ramzan is observed by the Muslims community worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic belief.<p><iframe allow="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360"  width="640" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/05LtvZYnJfk" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></p><p>Due to high demand, the markets are flooded with special items like Sevain, dates, sweets, and fresh fruits.</p><p>These traditional sweets are not that cheap either as sevain costs around Rs 180-200/kg and delectable dates cost around Rs 100/kg. The buzzing Ramzan markets in Fancy Bazar locality of Guwahati are full of ingredients used to make the sumptuous delicacy 'biryani, which is traditionally associated with Muslim culture.</p><p>The number of customers who purchase these items is increasing every year, a local shopkeeper told Inside Northeast.</p><p>At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as 'iftar'. Dates are usually the first food to break the fast as according to legend, Muhammad broke fast with three dates.</p><p>Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers after which the main meal is served.</p><p>The grand old festival 'Eid-ul-Fitr' marks the end of Ramzan. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days.</p>

'Ramzan' on in full swing, markets full of delicacies

<p><h4>Guwahati May 10, 2019:</h4></p><p>The students of the Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University are organizing a day-long event “Lokoranggam” on Saturday at BKB Hall in the university.</p><p>The event will comprise of a student conclave, followed by a puppet show and a “Bhaona”. The conclave is scheduled to start at 11 am and is likely to be attended by about 1000 students from across the region.</p><p>Department Representative of Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, Palash Jyoti Bora, said that the event Lokoranggam will provide a platform to discuss regionalism, media, and youth in Gauhati University as well as in Assam. The department is hopeful that this kind of rational debate which is first of its kind will give a new dimension and pave a way towards positivity.</p><p>Lokoranggam will also give fresh insight into the traditional art media of Assam.</p><p>Coordinator of the conclave, Subrat Dutta said that the student conclave will discuss current socio-economic and political issues from the perspective of different student bodies and the conclave will give the students the opportunity to express their opinion on such pertinent issues. It will be moderated by Senior Journalist Mrinal Talukdar. The theme of the conclave is media, youth, and regionalism</p><p>One of the highlights of the event will be a performance of the traditional “Bhaona”. The Bhaona- Rukmini Haran has been directed and will be performed by the students of the Department. It will be staged at the Birinchi Kumar Barua (BKB) Hall at 7 pm.</p><p>Jhunakangkon Bhuyan director of the Bhaona said that the students are going to perform “Ankiya Bhaona- Rukmini Haran”. Last year the students performed “Ram Bijoya” and the main aim is to spread the traditional art form as a tool to enhance development communication. It also portrays the Assamese society and the fundamentals we were taught since childhood.</p><p>Coordinator of Putola Nach, Monaliza Goswami, informed that the students of the department will present an authentic puppetry performance exclusively during the event. With an emphasis on preserving the traditional art form, the Putola Nach will showcase how people are easily influenced and manipulated by fake news and misinformation? How the people are convinced to believe the given opinion or information without a verified source? The Putola Nach will also focus on awareness regarding road safety. To create popularity among the audience about the art form is the main motive.</p><p>The Head of the Department, Dr. Ankuran Dutta, said, that this event has different kinds of taste with a broad spectrum. The department is trying to carry the folk culture to the larger audience. The main objective of the “Putola Nach” and the “Bhaona” is to communicate with the common people and disseminate information about developmental schemes. The discussion will also be unique as different representatives of student bodies will share their views on the same dais.</p>

Lokoranggam

Lokoranggam ' Experiment on traditional art form' at Guwahati University

<p><h4>Agartala, June 30, 2019:</h4></p><p>The state of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kharchi_puja">Tripura</a> is all set to welcome the visitors from across the globe as it has organized the Kharchi Puja also called the Kharchi festival from July 10.</p><p>Kharchi Puja is an important festival celebrated in the Indian state of Tripura. The festival lasts for seven days during which 14 gods are worshipped at the Chaturdasha temple near Old Agartala. The royal Puja falls in the month of July on the eighth day of the new moon and attracts thousands of devotees.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34428" src="https://insidene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/kduhjvi.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /></p><p>The 14 deities are known as the Chaturdasha Devata and are Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Earth, Ganga, Agni, Kama, Himavan and Varuna.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34430" src="https://insidene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/kjcuky.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /></p><p>On Kharchi Puja, the gods are taken out from the temple and carried to be washed in the holy water of river Saidra then taken back to the temple. The deities are then decorated with various flowers and vermillion is placed on each deity's forehead.</p><p>Kharchi is derived from ‘khya’ which means ‘earth’. Kharchi Puja is performed after 15 days of Ambubachi. The festival marks the cleansing of “Ama Pechi” (Ambubachi, the menstruation of the mother goddess, or earth mother) which is the female cycle of the earth goddess. During the festival, no ploughing, furrowing or tending to the soil is done to give it time to cleanse.</p><p>The Kharchi puja is performed to wash out the post-menstrual uncleanliness of the earth mother's menstruation.</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/www.tripuratourism.gov.in/videos/pcb.1214041955470587/1007401672983958/?type=3&amp;theater</p><p>People offer different types of prasad like a goat, buffalo, sweets, etc.. Various cultural programmes are performed each evening and a large fair is organized to mark the occasion. People look to their own welfare as well as the welfare of the society and the state in general.</p><p><h6><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></h6></p>

Kharchi Puja

Tripura’s Biggest Festival 'Kharchi Puja' To Commence From July 10

<p><h4>Guwahati, July 16, 2019:</h4></p><p>This year Kuldeep Patgiri, a research scholar from Gauhati University has been awarded the pretigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar award for his contributions in the field of Mime.</p><p>Kuldeep Patgiri, who is a student of renowned artist Mainul Haque, has also received the 'Young Talent Artist Award 2016' of North East Zonal Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture and Young Artist scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.</p><p>The young mime artist is also a recognized Judge of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi for theatre event.</p><p>The 1987-born artist has performed mime in various national and International events and has received many prestigious awards for his performances.</p><p>Recently, Patgiri received the 'Silpojyoti award' and 'Pathsala Rongali Bihu award' for his outstanding contributions in the field of mime and culture.</p><p>Patgiri has been shouldering responsibility in directing Gauhati University Mime Group since 2008. Patgiri is also the founder-director of 'Assam Mime and Skit Theater' and an artist of the Mime Academy, having participated in different international and national festivals in South Asian Countries.</p><p>It may be mentioned that the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (Akademi Award) is an award given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to outstanding artists who have demonstrated talent in the fields of music, dance and drama.</p><p>Every year, 32 artists are selected for this award. Award winners receive a prize of Rs 25000 (US$350) from the chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi.</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats (A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention). We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p><p><div class="code-block code-block-1"></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p>

Kuldeep Patgiri

Assam: Mime Artist Kuldeep Patgiri Awarded with 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar'

<p><h4>Guwahati,December 15,2018:</h4></p><p>‘Ha-Imu’ a feature film Produced by B.K Film Productions in collaboration with cultural affairs Department, KAAC, had its premiere show yesterday. Rupsing Teron, Executive Member in charge of Art &amp; Culture and Affairs attended the show as a chief guest.</p><p>Alongside him, Chandrasing Kro (KCS President), Mongalsing Rongpi (Vice President KFS; former EM KAAC General Secretary Karbi Cultural Society), Dhaneswar Ingti (retired KAAC Secretary), Hemari Tokbi (Dy.Director Art &amp; Culture), Sing Kro (KLA Adviser) and various dignitaries attended the show today at Rangsina Sarpo Auditorium Hall, Diphu.</p>

Feature

Karbi Feature Film has Grand Premiere

<p><h4>Guwahati, January 15, 2019:</h4></p><p>Amid the threat to the jati, Assamese people partook in <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/01/14/thousands-throng-early-morning-markets-uruka/">Bhogali Bihu celebrations.</a>  Popularly known as the Bihu of feasting, this Bihu is celebrated by setting the <em>bhelaghars</em> or <em>Meji</em> on fire early in the morning after feasting in them the night before.</p><p>People from all walks of life irrespective of caste, religion or language celebrate the harvest festival across Assam. The festival features some of the traditional dishes of Assam like pithas and laddoos which are prepared with coconut, rice, sesame seeds etc.</p><p>Let us take a look back at the changing colors of Bihu through the years:</p><p>As time has passed by, Bhogali Bihu has found new flavours. As we grew up, new scenes of Bhogali Bihu could be witnessed. In the not-too-distant past, Bihu wishes were different as people used to personally visit their near and dear ones, but in today’s digital era, people mainly exchange their wishes over WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media platforms</p><p>In the past, Assamese people used to exclusively prepare rice cakes, pithas and laddoos in their houses itself. But now, due to the busy schedules of people, the tradition is gradually declining. Rising tradition of buying the indigenous Assamese food items from local Bihu fairs, especially in urban centres like Guwahati, has emerged. It may be mentioned that the ladoo-pitha market this year was worth a whopping 45 crores. But despite declining traditions, rural Assamese are still sticking to their roots and this year we saw the construction of many innovative designs of <em>bhelaghars</em>.</p><p>Earlier, people used to observe Bihu as part of a community. But nowadays, people are isolated as rising costs and trends of materialism have emerged along with the rise in number of nuclear families and people mostly celebrate Bihu with immediate relatives.</p><p><a href="https://insidene.com/2019/01/13/bhogali-bihu-fever-grips-assam-amid-cab-row/">The pre-Bhogali festivities</a> find their best expression in the markets as people look for the best food materials, especially fish, meat, milk, curd, cream, chira, pithas, laddoos etc. The markets are flooded with different varieties of fish, meat and other food stuffs. With a look around in the markets, the shopkeepers can be with happy faces after the huge crowd that comes for Bihu shopping fills their purses with heavy cash.</p><p>But beyond these changes even this year the people of Assam celebrated the indigenous Bhogali Bihu amid all the protests against the Citizenship Bill.</p><p>Characterized by merry making and feasting, this festival marks the end of the harvesting season when there is abundance of everything. This is the time when the hard-working agricultural folk of the state sit down to reap the benefits of their hard labor. However, it must be pointed out that the Magh Bihu festival is not limited to the agricultural pockets of the state. Right from the smallest of villages to the big towns and cities of Assam, people celebrate this festival with great joy and gusto, though it must be mentioned that the mode of celebration differs from the villages to the cities.</p><p>Now, let us highlight some of the high-profile Bihu celebrations of Assam:</p><p>Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrates Magh Bihu at his residence in Dibrugarh:</p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/1085062147690835968">&nbsp;</a></p></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p><p>Former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi celebrates with his party leaders at Manabendra Complex, Guwahati:</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/ne.inside/videos/410175276387513/</p><p>Celebrations at Gohpur:</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/ne.inside/videos/979462902263357/</p><p>Avijeet Baruah, nephew of martyar Kanaklata Baruah celebrates the Bhogali Bihu with all other villagers of Baligoan, Borigoan.</p>

Bihu celebrations

Political rivals Sonowal and Gogoi embrace Tradition amid changing trends of Bihu celebrations in the state

<p><h4>Guwahati, January 17, 2019:</h4></p><p>The latest edition of the Joon Beel Mela, which has the distinction of being India’s only cashless fair for 500 years, has begun in Assam’s Morigaon district. The <em>mela</em> started today with the age-old custom of <em>Agni puja</em>.</p><p>The three-day fair is organised by the Tiwa king Gobha Deep Singh and has graced the Dayang Belguri at Joon Beel this year too. The indigenous tribal people that come down from the hills of Assam like West Karbi Anglong, Meghalaya and Jaintia have already been preparing for the barter that will start from the early morning hours on the second day of the fair.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21567" src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/lingo/itne/images/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ijg.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /></p><p>It is said to be a hi-tech age barter system and perhaps the only fair in India where barter system is still alive. The second day of the  Joon Beel <em>mela</em> will start with the tradition of the community fishing at the Joon Beel.</p><p>Starting in the late 15th century AD, this fair was first organised by the Tiwa rulers to discuss the prevailing political situations of the day. In ancient times, the <em>mela</em> would start with a community feast which the king enjoyed with his subjects at the banks of the Joon Beel, a crescent shaped water body located near the fair grounds.</p><p>Today, on the first day of this year’s fair, Team InsideNE witnessed many families of the tribal communities who had come down from the hills and were seen preparing small shelters to stay overnight. The people prepared their traditional food items by making small ‘<em>choukas</em>’(a mud made stove).<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21568" src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/lingo/itne/images/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/rrttry5ty.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /></p><p>People from the hills brought spices, herbs, ginger, and fruits to exchange them for rice, fish, rice cakes (<em>pithas</em>) that cannot be grown in the hills. Some 10,000 tribal villagers come down to the plains of the beautiful valleys and exchanged their wares.</p><p>The traditional and the old weapons of the Tiwa rulers are being displayed at the <em>mela</em>. <em>Hiloi</em>, <em>Bortup</em>, <em>Bonduk</em>, Pistol, <em>Bakhor</em>, Sword, handcuffs of both male and female, the frame of <em>dola</em>, and<em> command</em> are some of the weapons being showcased at the <em>mela</em>.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21566" src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/lingo/itne/images/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hy.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /></p><p>Stalls were put up with the traditional Tiwa costumes. The stalls showcased the traditional Tiwa <em>mekhla</em>, <em>nara</em>, and mufflers that cost around three to six thousand rupees.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21569" src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/lingo/itne/images/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/fhjtiu.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /></p>

Joon Beel Mela

Joonbeel Mela, the fair with no currency, continues legacy

<p><h4>Guwahati, January 19, 2019:</h4></p><p>Joon Beel Mela, which is perhaps the only fair in India where the currency-less barter system is still in function, has entered its third and final day. The indigenous Tiwa community fair held during the weekend of the Magh Bihu has finally come to its final day where the royal court will be convened.</p><p>The ‘Gobha Roja’ will preside over the court affairs which will be attended by many Tiwa kings.. The Gobha King along with his courtiers visits the mela and collects taxes from his subjects. People perform their traditional dance and music, making the atmosphere one of joy and fun.</p><p>The indigenous Tiwa community people will move back to their hills today after the royal court adjourns. The tribal people will take back rice, pithas, handoh, chira and other ingredients from the plains in lieu of spices and greens from the hills to celebrate Magh Bihu.</p><p>Some 10,000 villagers had come down from the hills of Meghalaya, Jaintia and Karbi Anglong to the plains of the beautiful valley to participate in the fair.</p><p>In the Age of Demonetization, where cashless transactions are being projected as the country’s stepping stones to a brighter future, the Jonbeel Mela – arguably India’s only fair that works on the barter system – comes as a veritable blast from the past. In the late 17th century the Tiwa rulers started the tradition of this indigenous fair to discuss the prevailing political situations.</p><p>The royal court was graced by the chief minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal along with other tribal representatives.</p>

Historic Joon beel Mela enters its last day

<p><h4>Itanagar, July 6, 2019:</h4></p><p>The 'Dree festival' was celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday. The Dree festival is a popular festival in Arunachal Pradesh and it is an important agricultural festival of the Apatani tribe. This is the biggest festival celebrated by Apatani and it is marked by sacrificial offerings and prayers.</p><p>Joining with rest of the state, the Apatani brethren of Miao with much fanfare and gaiety celebrated their agricultural based fest Dree at Donyi Polo ground here yesterday.</p><p>First time Diyun-Bordumsa MLA Shomlung Mossang graced the occasion as Chief Guest, flanked by Guest of Honor Tage Rumi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Miao, Chief Patron Er. Kago Tabiyo (Chief Engineer RWD), Rev. Bishop Dr. George Palliparambil, Chatu Longri, Sekhum Ronrang, Principal, GHSS, Miao, officers, public leaders etc.</p><p>The fest kick-started at 10.30 am with hoisting of DREE flag followed by Daminda folk dances and songs.</p><p>There are around 34 Apatani households in and around Miao with a population of 180 plus.</p><p>Every member of Apatani Community of all ages clad in eye catching traditional attire thronged the festival ground to ensure stupendous success of Dree. The Apatani community have been celebrating their fest without fail annually since 1998 here.</p><p>Chief guest Shomlung Mossang while congratulating Apatani community on DREE, stressed hard on preservation of one's mother tougue, communal harmony, preservation of mother nature by keeping the area clean, green and safe.</p><p>"Since our tribal festivals are directly connected with nature, it is our prime responsibility to stop poaching, killing of birds, deforestation, and take up plantation of trees on war footing" , Mossang said, adding that "by doing so, we can proudly say we are devotees of God's that we believe" . Mossang further said social evils like drug addiction rampant in the area can only be put to a permanent halt through love and care and not through hatred. If we fail to check our youths, and the menace is not stopped, the establishment of any educational or other infrastructures is meaningless.</p><p>Dree is celebrated in order to bring a bountiful harvest season, hence, the Apatani offer prayers to four Gods they follow: Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi. This three day long agricultural festival is joyously celebrated with traditional cloths worn by women and children.</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p><p><div class="code-block code-block-1"></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p>

Apatani

'Dree Festival' Celebrated by the Apatani Tribe in Arunachal

<p><h4>Guwahati, November 1, 2019:</h4></p><p>Guwahati celebrated the 'Chavang Kut' festival of the Kuki tribe with great fervor.</p><p>Kukis residing in the city came together to join in the celebration of the annual post-harvest festival at the Shilpgram Auditorium.</p><p>The event witnessed a footfall of more than 800 people. Paul Hangsing (add who he is) as the KUTPA (add what this is).</p><p>A slew of cultural programs, including dance and folk songs were performed by the Kukis. The event also showcased the rich culture and traditions of the tribe by displaying various ethnic costumes.</p><p>It may be mentioned here that the day is also celebrated to mark the centenary of the Anglo-Kuki War fought against the British in 1917-1919.</p><p>A seminar cum lecture on Anglo- Kuki war was also delivered by Dr N Kipgen, Associate Professor of IIT Guwahati on the occasion.</p><p>Chavang Kut saw a cultural display of the traditional customs and bonding that the Kukis have since time immemorial.</p><p><em>Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.</em></p><p><div class="google-auto-placed ap_container"></p><p><em>Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.</em></p><p><em>To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us <a href="https://insidene.com/subscription/">HERE</a>.</em></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast</em></p><p></div></p>

Chavang Kut

Assam: Kukis Celebrate 'Chavang Kut' Festival with Grandeur in Guwahati

<p><h4>Agartala, July 24, 2019:</h4></p><p>The state of Tripura has been witnessing a month-long festive celebration as the people of the state are observing the “Ker Puja” just after the celebration of Karchi Puja. 'Ker' literally means austerity in English. It is the strictest puja performed by Tripuri people.</p><p>Ker Puja is celebrated two weeks after Kharchi Puja in the Royal Palace in Agartala with financial support from the State Government. It includes offerings, sacrifices, and a prescribed boundary which both safeguards people from calamities and saves them from external aggression.</p><p>No one can move outside the boundary specified by the organizers of 'Ker' during the two and a half days of celebrations.</p><p>Also Read : <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/07/24/tripura-mp-pratima-bhowmik-donates-rs-1-lakh-towards-assam-flood-relief/">Tripura MP Pratima Bhowmik Donates Rs 1 Lakh Towards Assam Flood Relief</a></p><p>In the Ker, the ‘chantais’ or head priest is regarded as a king during this celebration.</p><p>A large piece of bamboo is bent to replicate the image of Ker and strict rituals have to be followed in the celebration. The people of Tripura believe that the former rulers used to perform this Puja for the general welfare of the people of the state.</p><p>It is to be mentioned that at the end of the 517-year rule by 184 kings, the erstwhile princely state of Tripura merged into the Indian Union on October 15, 1949, by an agreement between Regent Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi and the Indian Union.</p><p><h6><em>INSIDE NORTHEAST’S CAMPAIGN #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL IS NOW SUPPORTED BY OIL INDIA LIMITED (OIL). JOIN US AS WE CONTINUE THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE THE ONLY RAMSAR SITE IN ASSAM WHICH IS FACING IMMENSE THREATS. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE THIS SITE OF GREAT ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE. JOIN THE #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL CAMPAIGN AND TWEET ABOUT IT, AND DO TAG US ON TWITTER. LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>KEEP FOLLOWING INSIDE NORTHEAST ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM. DOWNLOAD THE INSIDE NORTHEAST APP FROM HERE HTTPS://PLAY.GOOGLE.COM/STORE/APPS/DETAILS?ID=COM.INSIDENORTHEAST.APP&amp;HL=EN FOR NEWS, VIEWS AND REVIEWS FROM NORTHEAST INDIA. DO KEEP FOLLOWING US FOR NEWS ON-THE-GO. WE DELIVER THE NORTHEAST.</em></h6></p>

Tripura Celebrates Traditional 'Ker Puja' With Festive Fervour

<p><h4>London, October 15, 2019:</h4></p><p>Canadian author Margaret Atwood and Anglo-Nigerian author Bernardine Evaristo are the joint winners of the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction. Atwood’s ‘The Testaments’, and Evaristo’s ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ bagged the prestigious award.</p><p>‘The Testaments’ is a sequel to Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale (1985). It is a follow up of the latter with the character, Aunt Lydia narrating it.</p><p>The book has Agnes and Daisy as the protagonists, where the former is the character of an orphan adopted by a Gileadean family and the latter is one that is smuggled out of Gilead and lives in Toronto. The two are the daughters of Offred, the protagonist of The Handmaid's Tale.</p><p>Evaristo’s ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ presents around twelve characters, who connect with each other as the plot unfolds. Each of these characters is the narrator of her/their own journey.</p><p>It may be mentioned here that this is the third time that two authors have shared the Booker Prize for their work. Earlier, it has been shared in the years 1974 and 1997.</p><p>With this win, Margaret Atwood has become the only second female author to bag the Booker Prize twice.</p><p>ALSO READ: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/10/15/anurag-kashyap-to-present-acclaimed-assamese-film-aamis-across-india-sets-november-22-release-date/">Anurag Kashyap to Present Acclaimed Assamese Film ‘Aamis’ Across India, Sets November 22 Release Date</a></p><p><em>Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.</em></p><p><div class="google-auto-placed ap_container"></p><p><em>Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.</em></p><p><em>To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us <a href="https://insidene.com/subscription/">HERE</a>.</em></p><p><em>Download:<a id="set-post-thumbnail" class="thickbox" href="https://insidene.com/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=41910&amp;type=image&amp;TB_iframe=1">Set featured image</a></em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p>

Margarat Atwood

Authors Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo Share Prestigious Booker Prize

<p><h4>Guwahati, October 23, 2019:</h4></p><p>The 2nd Edition of the Arunachal Literature and Art Festival, 2019, will be held on 8-10 November 2019, at the Indira Gandhi Park in Arunachal Pradesh's capital city, Itanagar.</p><p>Arunachal Literature and Art Festival is an annual event to celebrate creativity in all its forms.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/10/22/northeast-opens-its-arms-to-neighbors-bangladesh-in-stakeholders-meet-in-assam/">Northeast Opens its Arms to Neighbors Bangladesh in Stakeholders’ Meet in Assam</a></p><p>This year, the organizers have tried to bring many known faces of the country from the field of Art and Literature under the same banner.</p><p>Danish Iqbal, a renowned Urdu poet will be a part of the event this year.</p><p>Tumbom Riba Lily, social activist and Sahitya Sammelan Samman’ awardee of Arunachal Pradesh, will also grace the event.</p><p>Renowned writer, filmmaker Anungla Zoe Longkumer from Nagaland will be attending the event. She is also described as a free individual discovering her way through the creative pursuit of music and folk tradition.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/10/22/assam-son-rajdweeps-script-chosen-to-be-made-into-bollywood-movie/">Assam Son Rajdweep's Script Chosen to be Made into Bollywood Movie</a></p><p>The festival consists of various sessions like the Confluence, Panel discussions, Book fair, Book release, Installation, Art Exhibition, Original Music Performance and Open Interaction with the prominent writers and artists from across the country.</p><p><em>Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.</em></p><p><div class="google-auto-placed ap_container"></p><p><em>Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.</em></p><p><em>To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us <a href="https://insidene.com/subscription/">HERE</a>.</em></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p>

Arunachal Literature

2nd Arunachal Literature and Art Festival 2019 to Kickstart on Nov 8

<p><h4>Guwahati, April 15, 2019:</h4></p><p>While people in Assam are busy celebrating Bihu and grooving to the beats of the Bihu-themed songs, many do not know that a similar atmosphere prevails in neighboring country Myanmar during this time of year. Our neighbors from Myanmar celebrate 'Thingyan', which is a Buddhist festival, to usher in the Burmese New Year. Like the Bihu in Assam, the Myanmar New Year is also held during mid-April.</p><p>Thingyan is comparable to other festivities in the region such as the Songkran in Laos, the Songkran in Thailand, the Cambodian New Year, the Sinhalese New Year and the Bihu festival of Assam.</p><p>To mark the traditional New Year, which falls in mid-April, Myanmar people free birds and fish to make merit. For the government, releasing prisoners in the New Year period is customary.</p><p>Myanmar will celebrate the New Year festival starting Saturday, and usher in the New Year on April 17. As the festival draws near, the families of detainees and political activists are hoping for good news.</p><p>Last year, Myanmar President U Win Myint pardoned 8,541 prisoners in the New Year amnesty, including 36 political prisoners and 51 foreigners.</p><p>The dates of the festival are observed as public holidays throughout Myanmar and are part of the summer holidays at the end of the school year. Water-throwing or dousing one another from any shape or form of vessel or device that delivers water is the distinguishing feature of this festival and may be done on the first four days of the festival.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Myanmar New Year

'Thingyan' water festival celebrated in Myanmar to usher in New Year

<p><h4>Imphal, May 16, 2019:</h4></p><p>The traditional annual fishing festival “Yaithaba” of six villages under Kasom Khullen Sub-Division was held on Wednesday at Taret Lok river in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manipur">Manipur</a>.</p><p>The festival was inaugurated by Phungyar AC, MLA K Leishiyo.</p><p>The residents of Nambashi Khullen, Nambshi Khunou, Nambashi Valley and Kashung Village among others took part in the festival.</p><p>Attending the event, Rev MC Huiningam, a local leader mentioned that the restriction imposed by evangelist and missionaries, who came to spread Christianity, on following several customs as "sin" has resulted in the disappearances of many cultures.</p><p>Further, Huiningam said that such imposition cannot be seen in the neighboring states like Mizoram and Meghalaya. He also appealed all to support in reviving the lost culture and tradition of many tribes of the State.</p>

Yaithaba

Manipur| Yaithaba Fishing festival celebrated.

<p><h4>Guwahati, June 2, 2019:</h4></p><p>A 24-year year boy from Assam, Antar Atreya is making waves across the country. The young writer is basking in glory after receiving extremely response for his debut novel 'Chronicles of the Mortal Vishnu', which is now available nationwide.</p><p>Speaking to Inside Northeast, Atreya says he was born and brought up in Tezpur town of Assam and did his schooling there. "I came to do my graduation in New Delhi, I was a student of Economics at Ramjas College, and have been here since 2013", he says.</p><p>Atreya's highly-anticipated debut novel is finally available for purchase. "It has been available on Amazon for sometime as a pre-order, but it has officially been launched on May 5 in bookstores."</p><p><div>A 24-year-old author who wrote his first book at the age of 14 and recently co-authored with Durjoy Datta in a book of nanotales is creating buzz with his latest Mytho-fantasy fiction Saga, Chronicles of the Mortal Vishnu. Five of his stories were featured in that collection.</div></p><p><div></div></p><p><div>Dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces, this saga has also grabbed the attention of Indian TV industry with an article on Telly Buzz also mentioning the book and its author.</div></p><p><div></div></p><p><div>The author says that reading Hindu scriptures like the <em>Bhagwat Gita</em> and extracts from other such spiritual books inspired him to compose the novel as he wished to share his view on the concept Gods. He also mentions that through the book he has attempted to put forward the truth about certain religious practises, as religious things are sometimes misinterpreted.</div></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the time of filing this report, the novel has received 96 customer reviews, and an average score of 4.4 on the popular e-commerce site.</p><p><em>Keep following <a href="https://insidene.com/">Inside Northeast</a> on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Do <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidene.app&amp;hl=en">download our app from the Google Playstore</a> for the latest news updates, views, and entertainment on the go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Antar Atreya

Assam Boy Antar Atreya Creates Buzz with Debut Novel

<p><h4>Guwahati, December 18,2018:</h4></p><p>The forthcoming 45<sup>th</sup> Karbi Youth Festival 2019 held at the Longmirjeng Achetai of Karbi People's Hall, Taralangso, Diphu on Monday.</p><p>Reception Committee for the Forthcoming 45th Karbi Youth Festival 2019 is being formed at the Longmirjeng Achetai of Karbi People's Hall, Taralangso, Diphu on Monday. The meeting was presided over by KCS President Chandra Sing Kro.</p><p>CEM Ronghang stated that the KAAC is working relentlessly to complete construction of roads ahead of the festival.  Promising further renovations as part of his commitments, he also revealed that a statue of Kajir Ronghangpi will be erected in the premises. Lastly, he encouraged people from different political and ethnic backgrounds to come together for the festival.</p>

Festival

45th Karbi Youth Festival reception committee formed

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