12 Fun Festivals In North-East India Worth Taking A Trip For

Take a trip to the North-East India and indulge yourself in art, crafts, culture, and good music in the midst of breathtaking locations at these festivals.

1. Hornbill Festival

Via Facebook: HIMF17

What: Often known as “festival of all festivals”, Hornbill is the most popular festival in North East India. It is a week-long festival filled with music, food, dance, art and crafts, and fun indigenous games. One can indulge in good music at Hornbill International Rock Festival, which is the main highlight of this festival. Many local and international bands perform at the Hornbill Rock Festival.

Where: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland

When: December 1-10 every year.

2. Ziro Festival of Music

Via festivalsherpa.com

What: The Ziro Festival of Music is one of the most exciting outdoor music festivals in India. It is held in Ziro Valley, a picturesque location surrounded by beautiful mountains. It showcases the independent music scene in India and also features artists and bands from across the world. There are camping facilities in and around the valley. One can savor local delicacies and take a sip of the local rice beer served in bamboo glasses.

Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

When: September

3. Cherry Blossom Festival

Via livemint.com

What: This is India's first and only Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival, where the autumn blooms are celebrated with rock shows, food, and wine. The festival includes guided night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms, storytelling sessions, art competitions, live musical events, beauty pageant, bicycle rallies, and not to mention the sumptuous traditional food stalls.

Where: Shillong, Meghalaya

When: November

4. Shillong Beer Fest

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What: Started in 2014, the idea behind this festival is to give prominence to the traditional local beer brewing and to revive the culture and entertainment scene that has died out in the city of Shillong. This festival also serves as a platform for local chefs, beverage producers, and young artists to showcase their food, beverages, art, and music. Over 18 local brews and international brands from Korea, Mexico, and Germany have participated in this gala.

Where: Shillong, Meghalaya

When: October

5. Orange Festival

Via Facebook: orangefestivaldambuk

What: This is one of the biggest adventure and music festivals in India. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you will love this festival. This festival has an array of sports to keep your adrenaline racing and a massive lineup of artists and bands. Events include zip lining, archery, mud run, white water rafting, elephant rides and ATV rides. Have a fun filled 4 days of adventure, sports, and music at Orange Festival.

Where: Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh

When: December

6. Brahmaputra Beach Festival

Via travelkabaap.com

What: Brahmaputra Beach Festival is an open-air festival held on the beaches of the Brahmaputra river. The festival aims to promote indigenous culture, crafts, and highlight traditional sports of Assam. The festival includes events like beach volleyball, water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, paragliding, and other traditional games. There are exhibitions of traditional crafts as well.

Where: Assam

When: January

7. Metropolis Urban Winter Festival

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What: Metropolis Urban Winter Festival is an arts, craft and music festival held annually in Guwahati. This festival is basically a gathering of creative artists and talents in the city. Events include literary workshops, photography and painting exhibitions, interactive sessions, fashion shows, and live musical performances.

Where: Guwahati, Assam

When: January

8. Bihu

Via theholidayindia.com

What: Bihu is the chief festival of Assam. It is a set of three different festivals namely: Magh Bihu observed in January, Rongali or Bohag Bihu observed in April, and Kongali or Kati Bihu observed in October. Bihu is celebrated by dancing, folk songs, and feasting. Men and women form groups and perform the Bihu dance.

Where: Assam

When: January, April, and October

9. Chapchar Kut

Via eclecticnortheast.in

What: This is a traditional harvest festival celebrated by Mizos with great fervor and gaiety. The festival includes folk music and traditional dance performances. The main highlight of this festival is the bamboo dance, called cheraw, which is performed by women while men sit on the ground and beat bamboo sticks against each other. There are flower shows, craft exhibitions, and food stalls as well.

Where: Mizoram

When: March

10. Wangala

Via theteenagertoday.com

What: Wangala, also known as 100 Drums Festival, is the main harvest festival of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya. It is celebrated as a thanksgiving ceremony to the God and Goddess, Misi Saljong, for blessing the people with a rich harvest. The main attraction of this festival is the Wangala dance performed by men and women dressed in colorful traditional attires, to the sound of oblong drums called Damas, gongs, and flutes. There are handloom and handicrafts exhibition, indigenous games, and cooking competition as well.

Where: Asanang, Meghalaya

When: November

11. Sangai Festival

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What: This is an annual cultural festival organized by the Manipur Tourism Department. The main aim of this festival is to promote tourism in Manipur and to showcase the best of what the state has to offer to the world in terms of art and culture, handloom and handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisine and music, eco and adventure sports as well as the scenic natural beauty of the land.

Where: Manipur

When: November

12. NH7 Weekender

Via shillong.com

What: NH7 Weekender is an annual music festival in India. This biggest multi-genre music festival of India has travelled its way to Shillong, where love and passion for music have flourished for years. Due to its popularity and the amazing line-up of artists, Bacardi NH7 Weekender is undoubtedly the most exciting festival of this region.

Where: Shillong, Meghalaya

When: October