Harvest festivals bring together people in the Northeast

It's the time for celebration and merry making as people across the country come together to celebrate post harvest festivals. In the northeast also, people in Manipur, Assam and Tripura celebrated their respective post-harvest festivals with enthusiasm and gaiety.

The festival of Bihu is not only an occasion for thanksgiving or merrymaking but it is also an integral part of the culture of Assam. The Bhogali or the Magh Bihu marks an end to the successful harvesting season.

To mark the festival, people in Guwahati build temple like structures known as Meji out of firewood, bamboo and haystacks.

The Meji is then burnt and people offer prayers to the fire God for health and happiness.

A number of traditional delicacies like 'pithas' 'wah-karai' and sesame sweets are also prepared for the grand feast.

" We come together and meet our neighbors. We interact with each other, which increases the bonding between us and we feel that we are united," said Pankaj Das, a resident.

Manipur also reveled in the festive spirit as the Zeliangrong tribe celebrated its post-harvest and thanksgiving festival, Gaan Ngai with gaiety and enthusiasm.

Display of rich traditions, colourful costumes, rituals and delicious cuisines marked the celebration of the festival.

Traditional drum beatings, songs and dances were also performed during the five-day long event.

People from different communities including the Meiteis, the Meitei Muslims and Kukis took part in the festivities.

" It is the festival of joy, happiness and the harmony not only for Zeliangrong or Kabui tribe but also for the whole community of the state Manipur," said R H Gonmei, organizing secretary.

Similar grand celebrations were also witnessed in Tripura where tribals and non-tribals came together to mark the festival of Makar Sankranti.

Hundreds of devotees gathered near River Khowai from midnight to take a holy dip and pray to the Sun God to seek prosperity and happiness.

A fair was also organized on the occasion and several folk cultural programmes were performed.

" We have gathered here for a holy dip on the occasion of Poush Sankranti. After that we shall do Ganga puja. Every year we come here with the whole family and enjoy the fair," added Sabita Debbarma, a devotee.

Festivals are occasions that bring together people, and promote unity and brotherhood among different communities.