Nyokum Festival of the Nyishi of Arunachal Pradesh: Change over the Time

Abstract

Festivals are attached to a society's manifestation of culture, religion, rites, and rituals. They used to emotionally integrate the people living with the same clan and culture. Festivals are too core to different societies of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The Nyishis, a major tribe of the state are too associated with celebrating festivals with different rituals abreast. There are legends behind the celebration of rituals during festivals in which it is believed that Abo Tani (ancestor of the Nyishi) defeated Ayus (spirits) and their enmities began. There was some basis that compelled a family or village to celebrate festivals and performing rituals. It was believed, the anger of spirits showing through unusual or unnatural things happened with the village or any particular family.  Hence, festivals among the Nyishis are celebrated to ward off the evil effects of the spirits and also for better productivity, prosperity, and happiness of human beings. 

              Longte Yullo, Boori Boot, and Nyokum are the major festivals of the Nyishis. Among them the Nyokum is one of the major and important festivals of the Nyishis celebrated in the month of February. The Nyokum festival may be interpreted as the summoning of all gods and goddesses of the earth at the place of celebration. Though it is still celebrated at the family and village level but in due course of time, its mode of celebration has changed over time. The present paper is developed to deal with various changes taken place over time in the celebration of the Nyokum.