Here is a list of 5 festival trips that you can do in North East India this coming months.

Pangsau Pass Winter Festival – Nampong, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

January

Well if you think you have seen and done it all, head off to explore the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival in Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh coming January. We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. This is exactly what this festival does to you when you visit Nampong. The Winter Carnival was organised by the PPWF committee in collaboration with the State Tourism Department amidst the breath taking beauty of Nampong, nestled in the Patkai range, a small town in Changlang district just 12 Kms away from the border with Myanmar. Along with the festival there are so many other things that one can visit or see. The historical Stilwell Road does not need any introduction as it was an imperative route of trade for the entire North East. Gliding through the serpentine track of the historical Stilwell road magnifies the excitement manifold, and while on the move, on the way to the festival ground, there is another place of utmost importance - the WW-II Cemetery that reminds us of the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers to protect our tomorrow.

Shine – a – Light : Voice of the Silent Hills, Sohra, MEGHALAYA

November

It initiated with one purpose in mind – To Revive Rock N Roll with the sole intention to provide support to local musicians and bands. But lo behold!, Who can stop music from becoming what it is. This festival is three day of bliss to music lovers. The festival takes place at a 60 Acre venue in Sohra , Cherrapunjee . Apart from music, there are a lot of other activities like mountain cycling, trekking and cave exploring, among others, to enjoy the scenic beauty and the ambience of the surrounding silent hills. Festival goers also have the choice to camp right next to the venue. “We selected music that has soul and we wanted to keep it raw. Music should be what triggers emotion and that is how the bands and artists, were selected for the festival,”saysAtanu Buragohain, a music lover and one of the organizers of the festival. Expect spectacular showmanship on the stage, impressive gigs and exciting adventure excursions.

Ziro Music Festival, Ziro, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

September

Ziro Music Festival has been one of India’s biggest festivals for a couple of years and attracts a large, varied audience in addition to national and international artists! In the past, the festival has been the festival, and the campground has been the campground. But what an experience! It’s always different every time. Imagine a loose spontaneous parade of raw music, dance and revelry all moving along, set to the most amazing soundtrack of brass. The third edition of Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) is set to commence this September with off-the-block offering for all music-lovers. ZFM aims to raise awareness of northeast India and bring it into the mainstream consciousness of the country through music, art and culture. It is hosted by the Apatani tribe people at Ziro, a beautiful, serene valley in central Arunachal Pradesh and supported by the local and state government. Anup Kutty, Co-Founder – ZFM says, “After the success of the previous two editions, we have decided to let the fun and music spill over to an extra day. This year will also see a lot more folk artists from across India making it an unique convergence of cultures”.

Dree Festival, Ziro, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

July

The Dree Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is a celebration of the agricultural way of life for the Apatanis. The Festival is the biggest for the Apatanis and celebrated with much zest marked by sacrificial offerings and prayers. The Dree Festival is celebrated in July. The main and the biggest celebration of this festival happens at Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. During the festival prayers are offered to please the 4 Gods – Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi to bring in a bountiful harvest season. Fowls, eggs, and animals are sacrificed during this festival as part of the ritual. The festival is also marked by big community feasts served with delicious rice millet beer. Traditional songs and dances are also displayed as part of the Dree celebrations. This day long festival is an occasion where womenfolk brew wine and visit homes of their relatives and present them wine as a symbol of love and affection. Eventours is organizing a Dree Festival Photography Expedition, from July 3rd till July 8th with renowned photo expert – Dhruba J Dutta. This workshop cum expedition calls for some exciting frames of incredible landscapes, portraits, some exotic tribes and their culture. One can write to them at info@eventours.in.

Hornbill Festival, Kohima, NAGALAND

December

Life in Nagaland is one long festival! But every December, from 1st till 10th, life becomes a carnival in Kohima. Hornbill Festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof. Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions. The weeklong gala offers something for everyone – one could sip on rice beer, rest in Naga huts and shop from the Night Bazaar while experiencing a multi-stage musical extravaganza. The annual Hornbill Rock Contest offers the winners Rs 10 lakh, and runners-up Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh. Held once a year in early December, the Hornbill Festival includes traditional Naga morungs exhibition, sale of arts and crafts, songs, dancing, archery, indigenous games, Naga wrestling, herbal medicine stalls, food stalls, flower shows, beauty contest, fashion shows and concerts. Traditional arts are also displayed with paintings, sculptures and wood carvings. This December give in to the extravaganza of culture and celebration in Nagaland as you get a chance to engage yourselves in the colorful celebrations of the Hornbill Festival.