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As the monsoon rains gradually recede, and the autumn season sets in, the Northeastern region of the country gets ready for the festival season. This year's events calendar was kicked off by the Ziro Festival of Music which concluded recently.
RAAS IN MAJULI
Raas is the most important celebration in the island district of Majuli. The importance of this festival in the culture and traditions of the people can be judged from the fact that people who usually work in many different capacities, turn into actors and performers during the days of the celebration of 'Bhaona'.
The Raas festival involves the showcasing of the childhood and youth of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata. Small stories related to incidents in Lord Krishna's life become the script of these cultural presentations. Colourful costumes, beautiful masks, enchanting music and enticing colourful lights all contribute to make this event a grand experience.
The script of the act is decided more than a month before the actual dates of the celebration. And from then on begins the rehearsals for the presentation. Each team will perform 2 to 4 shows every day for the duration of the celebration. And prices of tickets are based on a variety of conditions including the experience of the actors, the cost and standards of the costumes and decorations in use and the available resources at the venues of the presentation.
Stalls with live food counters that make different food items also come up near the venues of presentation of the Bhaona. But the best are the ones which serve warm sweets. Jalebis, rasgullas, khorma and a variety of other sweets are made and sold during these events.
Dates: Raas Bhaona will be organised from November 21 to 24 this year.
Venue: Many shows of Bhaona are organised across the island district. But the ones organised near Garmur attract huge crowds.
Tickets: Tickets for the shows will be available at the venue.
Accessibility: One can take a flight from Guwahati to Jorhat and cross by ferry to reach Majuli. Alternatively one can take a 300 kilometer drive to Nimatighat from Guwahati and take a ferry from there. The third option is to take a longer road trip via Lakhimpur on the north bank.
Accommodation: Many resorts, motels and homestays are available across the island district of Majuli.
RAAS IN NALBARI
The celebration of the same festival is very different in the Nalbari district of lower Assam. The same stories of the Mahabharata are the basis of these celebrations, but the stories are not enacted by people. Instead, idols, statues and motifs are used in their place. These celebrations have a more celebrative touch compared to the traditional touch in the Majuli district.
The Raas Melas organised in the region serve as local markets as well. A variety of items are available for sale in these temporary markets. They range from small gift items to furniture. The live food stalls are also available here similar to those in Majuli. Small games like target practice and aiming are also set up in stalls with gifts up for grabs.
Naam Competetions are organised in different categories during these days.
Dates: This year the Raas Mela in Nalbari will be organised from November 7 to 19.
Venue: The Raas Mela is celebrated across multiple venues across the Nalbari district. But the best celebration is at the Hari Mandir.
Tickets: Most of the organisers of the festivities do not charge the visitors. For those who charge, the amount will be very minimal and tickets will be available at the venue.
Accessibility: Guwahati is the nearest major city from Nalbari. Although trains are available to reach Nalbari town from Guwahati, the highway remains to be more popular. A two-three hour drive from the heart of the city will take you to the location.
Accommodation: Some small hotels are available in the town areas of the district.
NORTHEAST AUTUMN FESTIVAL
The Northeast Autumn Festival is organised to celebrate the rich harvest in the state of Manipur. Since the Ukhrul region is among major rice producers of the state, the celebration here is also organised in a major way.
This year the event will be organised in a week long format that will involve a large number of activities. These will include traditional dance and music, handicrafts and food. The idea of the event is to showcase local cultures and cuisines all working towards the promotion of tourism.
Adventure tourism, curated local tours and outdoor camping are all parts of the celebration. It has been organised by Chiko Adventure with the support of Manipur Tourism.
Dates: The dates of the Northeast Autumn Festival this year has been fixed from October 20 to 26.
Venue: The exact location of the event is NEAF Campsite, located in Jorcheng, Lunghar Village in Ukhrul district of Manipur. Ukhrul is located about 84 kms from Imphal and the event site is 21 kms from the district headquarters.
Accommodation: Campsites are available near the event venue. Washrooms, food and charging options are available at the site along with the other necessary options. Other accommodations are also available at the district headquarters of Urkhul.
Accessibility: Visitors can fly to Imphal from Guwahati and take the almost 100 km road trip to the location. Alternatively one can also take a 600 kms long road trip to the venue from Guwahati across the varied picturesque landscapes of Assam and Manipur.
Tickets: Passes are available online on northeastautumnfestival.com. Options are available for single day, two day, three day passes and season passes. Children's tickets and bring your own tent options are also available.
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