The North East, which consists of seven states, is among the most scenic regions in the nation. Due to its isolation from the rest of the world for so long, remote North East India is one of the few areas in the world where you can see real tribal people who continue to lead radically different lives in the modern era.
North East India is one of the areas in the world with the most diverse cultures. Almost 200 different tribes call it home, including fascinating and unique ones like the facially tattooed, sun and moon-worshipping Apatani tribe in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Valley and headhunting, opium-smoking Nagaland tribes.
One of the finest ways to explore the vivid and unique traditions of North East India’s fascinating tribal people is to attend one of the many outstanding tribal festivals. If you want to learn more about the local culture, purchase an all-inclusive package and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Continue reading to learn more about North East India’s wonderful culture.
History
Before the Ahom Kingdom toppled Kamarupa’s crown in 1140 CE, the first kingdom to rule the northeast existed from 350 to 1140 CE. The Ahom Kingdom was defeated in Burmese invasions during the early nineteenth century, and as a result, the Ahom Kingdom fell under the sovereignty of Burma. The British occupied Burma until its independence in the late 19th century.
During World War II, the Northeast was a target of Japanese strikes in 1944. However, the Japanese soldiers were defeated by British and Indian infantry. China attempted to annex Arunachal as South Tibet in 1962, which resulted in political pressures and military assaults on the northeastern province. In 1972, the seven sister states were established. In 2002, Sikkim joined the northeast.
People
The majority of the ethnic groups in the mountainous areas originated in Myanmar, China, and Thailand, which were also the countries with the earliest settlers. The inhabitants of the plain region were from the Ahom kingdom. 38 million persons were counted in total as of the 2001 Census. The Indian Constitution’s Sixth Schedule has a list of about 160 Scheduled Tribes.
Lifestyle
The lifestyles of the seven states vary greatly depending on geography, caste, and tribe, despite their interdependence. The inhabitants of the hilly regions enjoy a modest existence that is difficult on a daily basis. Their way of life benefits greatly from the tourism industry. The main activities in these areas are hunting and fishing.
The lifestyle in the northeastern states heavily relies on agriculture. The majority of people favour leading modest lives while upholding moral and ethical standards. They are really friendly and devoted. Equal opportunities and prestige are available to both men and women. None of the local villages in the area is the idea of dowry common.
Occupation
The two main industries of the northeastern population are weaving and agriculture. Together with smaller-scale and larger-scale crops, they cultivate rice and pulses. With a huge workforce employed on tea estates, tea farming is a primary means of subsistence for the people of Assam.
Other significant works include handlooms, woodcarvings, and traditional handicrafts. Assam is the only place in the nation where silk Muga handlooms are produced. Since it dominates most of the region, the oil and gas industry also employs a sizable portion of the workforce.
Language
There are roughly 220 languages spoken in the Northeast of the Indian subcontinent. Assamese, an Indo-Aryan language, is the native tongue of numerous people and is primarily spoken in Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley. Other pidgins based on Assamese spoken in Nagaland and Arunachal include Nagamese and Nefamese.
The Austro-Asiatic language family includes Khasi, Jaintia, and War. Ahom, Khamti, Tai Phake, etc., are some Tai-Kadai languages. Bodo, Missing, Deori, Karbi, Rabha, Biate Garo, Tiwa, Angami, Hajong, Mizo, Lotha, Nisi, Chakma Tanee, Abor, Adi, Misumi, Apatani, etc., are more languages with origins in the Sino-Tibetan region.
Bengali is also commonly spoken in lower Assam and Tripura, where most of the population comprises illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. In Sikkim, Nepali is extensively spoken.
Official languages
Many northeastern languages are acknowledged as being among the nation’s official languages. In Assam and Arunachal, Assamese is the official language. Another one of Assam’s official languages is Bodo. Manipur’s official language is Meitei, a Manipuri dialect. The majority of people in Sikkim also speak Nepali, another official language. Moreover, Santali is widely spoken in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam portions.
Literature
The northeast has a rich tradition of folktales that describe the origins, traditions, and beliefs of various tribes. Ancient written writings are part of the histories of Assam and Manipur. These states are also mentioned in the renowned Hindu epic Mahabharata. In the 20th century, modern literature also gained popularity in the region.
Most of the writers in the area primarily write about the area’s folklore, uprising tactics, Battles of the Northeast, and other topics in their native tongues and English. The highest literary award given out in India has been received by two northeastern authors, Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya & Mamoni Raisom Goswami.
Religion
Many religions are followed in the Northeast. Hindus comprise the majority of the population in Assam, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Sikhs. Lower Assam, conversely, has a Muslim majority due to a large illegal migration of Bangladeshi migrants. Immigrants from Tibetan, Tamang, etc., mostly bring Buddhism. Garos, Mizos, Nagas, and other ethnic groupings are Christian.
Spiritual Enlightenment
India’s easternmost state is Arunachal Pradesh. The “Land of the Rising Sun” is the name given to it as a result. Many influential Buddhist monasteries are scattered throughout the state’s breathtaking natural surroundings. Tawang Monastery, established in 1680, is the most significant of all. The biggest monastery in India is also located there.
Stop by the Dharma Coffee House and Library in Tawang for a nice cup of coffee. The sixth Dalai Lama was born in Urgelling Monastery, which is another option. These monasteries foster a contemplative environment perfect for spiritual reflection. Another luxury is the expansive vistas of the snow-capped mountains.
Cuisines
There is no comparison between the cuisines of the eight northeastern Indian states and those of the rest of India. One is that the usage of spices is minimized. Instead, the dishes are flavour-boosted by fermented soybean and bamboo shoot ingredients. Even Gordon Ramsay had trouble believing he was eating in India while in Nagaland.
Yet, it would be incorrect to define the cuisine of this region as a single unit because each state has its own distinct cooking style. For instance, Sikkim’s food has a significant Tibetan and Nepalese influence. But one thing is certain: travellers who enjoy food will find this region of the country fascinating to explore.
Explore more: 10 Most Popular Food in North East India
Art and Craft
The region significantly contributes to the nation’s theatre, dance, music, and other artistic disciplines. Often, cane and bamboo are used to create the crafts here. Visit the Assamese island of Majuli to see the various types of hand-made masks that are offered there. Manipuri and Sattriya are two popular classical dance styles from the area.
In addition, some of the well-known folk dances in these hills are the Mask Dance of Meghalaya, the Naga Dance from Nagaland, the Basanta Raas Leela, and the Bamboo Dance from Mizoram. The tribal culture is renowned for its extensive, varied customs that have their roots in farming, hunting, and other traditional activities.
Music and Dance
There are several diverse musical styles in the northeast. Folk dance and music are distinctive to each state. A state’s communities each have a rich folk music and dance history. These artists may be found in great abundance in this region of the country, which has produced a lot of excellent singers, musicians, and dancers.
Bihu, Hojagiri, Naga dance, Thang-ta, Nongkrem, and Dhoi Cholom, among other dance styles, are popular in the northeast. Some examples are Bihu, Tokari, Luko Geet, Nongthang Leima, Borgeet, O Rhose, and other folk songs. The prominent Assamese style Sattriya and Manipuri dance are included in India’s classical dances.
Tribes
The world’s most culturally diversified region is thought to reside in northeastern India. More than 200 tribes call the area home and take great pride in their original, unaltered traditions. The Bodo tribe, Nishi tribe, Adi tribe, Garo tribe, Bhutia tribe, Kuki tribe, and so on are some of the most well-known tribes.
The Bodo tribe is regarded as the most courageous tribe in Northeast India. The Adi tribe, which has its own village council, frequently resides in Arunachal’s highlands. The Indo-Mongloid tribe gave rise to the Nishi Tribe, another tribe in Arunachal. The Angami tribe is the largest tribe in Nagaland.
Sikkim’s Bhutia tribe is thought to have immigrated from Tibet. They are among the most advanced and sophisticated tribes in the area.
Festivals and Fairs
Many fairs and festivals have been held in the Northeast for many years. There are a number of traditional festivals held yearly, including the Bihu Festival, Nongkrem Dancing Festival, Wangala Festival, Chapchar Kut, Kang China, etc. The Assamese festival of Bihu is significant. In Assam, Bohag Bihu is the most widely observed festival.
This celebration is widely observed throughout the region with great fervour and excitement. The Khasi tribe in the area celebrates the harvest through the Nongkrem dancing festival. In March, Mizoram celebrates a festival called Chapchar Puja. Several music festivals are held yearly, including the Ziro Festival and NH 7 Weekender.
Every year, Assam hosts the Northeast Book Fair. The Northeast’s fairs and festivals often include film festivals. Every year, the Indian state of Sikkim conducts an international flower exhibition.
Read More: 10 Most Popular Festivals Celebrated in North East India
The Bottom Line
Several tour companies are operating in the area, enabling you to learn more about the local culture. You can choose a complete trip to the North East or a tour focused on a single state, like Sikkim’s tourism packages, which gives you a more comprehensive view of locals’ daily lives. Go to the North East to experience India like never before!
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