Plan A: Losar (Sikkim) – Celebrated with immense gusto and fervour, Losar in Sikkim is a celebration for eyes. An amalgamation of spirituality, camaraderie, colours and culture, this festival is the harbinger of the new year. A significant festival of the Buddhists, the opulence with which it is celebrated doesn’t override the devotion and the beliefs that the people hold. While the monasteries are fill in with prayers of gratitude, the streets spew with commotion and merrymaking, quite a celebration of the joy of life. Make your way down to Sikkim and immerse yourself in the festivities.
Plan B: Yaoshang (Manipur) – The festival of colours has its own Manipuri rendition as the state gears up to celebrate it for five days, highlighting the diversity, solidarity and exuberant nature of the Manipuris. Commencing with the burning of a straw hut, the festival features the Thabal Chongba or dancing by the moonlight, wherein boys and girls hold hands while singing and dancing together in a circle. While music and dance forms an integral part of the festival, play-ing with colours isn’t left too far behind as everybody takes part in this frivolity.
Plan C: Sekrenyi Festival (Nagaland) – An annual festival of the Angami Nagas, this ten day festival stems from spiritual beliefs. Celebrated with the belief of bringing purity to the people, the festival isn’t exempted from feasting and celebrating. While rice beer and different kinds of meat are prepared and partaken, performances of traditional tribal songs add to the cultural significance of the festival. Filled with ceremonies and rituals, this festival is unique to the Nagas.