Nyokum Yullo Festival of Nyishi tribe in Arunachal

Tripoto
23rd Feb 2017
Photo of Nyokum Yullo Festival of Nyishi tribe in Arunachal by Chukhu Mama

The contemporary influences, the modern mindsets and the busy schedules of modern life coerces to ignore or forget about the cultural heritages but the magic of Nyokum Yullo of Nyishi is so powerful that it binds the Nyishi fraternity together to revel the moments of pride and pleasures as well highlight the ancient heritages that the Nyishi are so proud of. The Nyishi which belongs to the Tibeto-Mongoloid stock of human race is one of the largest community in Arunachal dwelling in the districts of Lower Subansiri, Kera Dedi, Upper Subansiri, Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey and East Kameng.

The throngs of beautiful damsels in glistening traditional wear, the ferocious faces with soften hearts wearing colorful traditional dress, customary traditional head gear and traditional swords dangling on the waist will hypnotize the awestruck visitors during the festival.

The Nyokum Yullo will divulge the complex cultures and treasured traditions of Nyishis worldwide. Amazingly, the persistent endeavor to conserve the mesmerizing culture, cuisines, ornaments, dresses, dances and folklores of the colorful Nyishi tribe is yielding gradual fruition and Nyokum Yullo festival is the result of those assiduous efforts of believing in the fact that culture and tradition is worth the hardship and handworks.
It is the joyous moments of commemorating the by gone eras of the Nyishi tribe in form of Nyokum which is like a fresh breeze of fragrant air that reminds the lively community of their ancient roots and offers the moments to be proud of who they are.

Words cannot illustrate the beauty of the place and reflect the emotion of being a part of the Nyokum Yullo. Be a part of it to comprehend the charisma of the festival and to believe the beauty of the region. Explore the beautiful little thing god has created and experience the powerful magic of Nyokum Yullo 2018 at Yazali in a small picturesque town.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
Shamaan chanting age old hymms during Nyokum festival is one of the most interesting lookout of the Nyokum. Traditional tribal games and sports, indigenous cultural programs, mouth watering food stalls and adventure adds taste to the festival. Besides these there would be different tribal community showcasing their rich cultural heritage.

HOW TO REACH?
Arunachal at present is accessible by train, road and Air.
There is a weekly train from new delhi on Sunday which arrives on Tuesday at Naharlagun railway station. 3times a week Satabdi train plys from Guwhati at 3PM to Naharlagun and then there is daily inter-city train from Guwhati at 9.20PM to Naharlagun. From Naharlagun Yazali is just 2 and half hour drive.

Roads to Yazali is well connected via Itanagar or Kimin road.

There are daily flights to Guwhati from major cities of India. From Guwhati one can either hire a share taxi or catch a train for Itanagar.

THINGS TO REMEMBER.

1. Indians need a simple paper permit called INNER LINE PERMIT. It can be obtained online from www.arunachalilp.com. The permit is valid for 15 to 30days with a fee of Rs. 100.

2. International tourist have to obtain PAP (Protected Area Permit) from the government only through local government recognised tour operators. The permit is valid for only for 30days. And an amount of $30 as a royalty fee is charged per head/ for individuals. (Earlier it was $50 for 30days) One can contact arunachalexpeditions@gmail.com.

3. Carry warm cloths. Weather during February is bit rainy and cold too. Especially in Yazali the wind is too strong and windy.

4. If you are a pure veggie hhhmmm then too you can survive but hunting for veg food may take time.

Picturesque Yazali with paddy cultivation.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

A view of NEEPCO Dam at Yazali.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

The men folks ready for the Nyokum rituals.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Folks dancing at the tunes of folklore Rikham Pada song.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Misty Weather adds colour to the festival.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Women folks dancing during nyokum.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Rikham Pada dance

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Children, men, women, all are equally enjoying the dance.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Children during the Nyokum festival.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Nyishi men in his age old traditional attire buzzing the metal plate.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Women folks

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama

Bottle gourd (used after it dries up) by the Nyishi people to churn millet wine.

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Chukhu Mama