ALI-AL-LVIGANG
Celebrated By : Mishing Tribe
Festivity Month : February - March
Significance : Ceremonial Sowing Of Paddy Starts On This Day
The spring descends to rejuvenate life again.
Ali-Ai-Lvigang, the spring festival of the
Mishing tribe is the most
colourful festival held every year on the first Wednesday (Lvigang Lange)
of the month of 'Ginmur Polo' (February - March). Ali means root, seed;
'Ali' means fruit and 'Lvigang' means sow. That is why ceremonial sowing
of paddy starts on this day.
The Festive Celebration
Dance performed by the young boys and girls is characterised by brisk
stepping, flinging and flapping of hands and swaying of hips reflect
youthful passions, reproductive urge and joie-de-vivre. 'Poro Aapong' or
rice beer and dried fish is essential for the feast.
The festival continues for five days and during this festival certain
taboos in respect of cutting trees, fishing, ploughing, burning jungles,
etc. are strictly observed.
