Festival of Nyishi Tribe
Nyokum
Heritage, Harmony, and the Heartbeat of the Nyishi
In a world influenced by modern lifestyles, fast routines, and changing mindsets, many cultural treasures risk fading into the background. Yet, the magic of Nyokum is so powerful that it brings the entire Nyishi fraternity together—reviving pride, identity, and ancestral heritage with unmatched beauty and emotion. During the festival, the ground comes alive with breath-taking traditional attire:
- Women dressed in shimmering Kochik, carrying elegance and grace
- Men with their colourful Pari / Pomo Aaje, fierce-looking faces with soft hearts
- The iconic Bopia (traditional headgear)
- Traditional swords swinging at their waist
This magnificent display casts a spell on visitors and offers a true glimpse of Nyishi culture in its purest form.
Being a pre-harvest festival, Nyokum is celebrated to seek blessings for a prosperous crop, communal harmony, protection of mankind, and lasting peace. It also marks the beginning of the Nyishi New Year, making it a spiritually and culturally significant event.
For three delightful days, the Nyokum ground becomes a vibrant cultural arena where the community showcases its ancient rituals, songs, dances, and wisdom:
Chanting of sacred mantras
- The mesmerizing Buya and Rikham Pada dances
- The amusing and energetic Dir-Son-Bo
- The rhythmic hammering of Pipa-Nekho
- Preparation of the sacred Yugii (altar)
- The ceremonial procession Khome / Tori
These sights and sounds leave a lasting imprint on every onlooker—moments etched forever in memory.
Adding to the warmth of the celebration are the Chimpu (packed traditional lunch) exchanged among guests and the soothing sips of Opo (rice beer) served in bamboo Didu cups. The Nyishi people are admired for their simplicity, generosity, and heartfelt hospitality—making everyone feel like part of the family.
Nyokum is not just a festival; it is a celebration of identity, unity, and cultural pride—an experience that touches the soul.
Where to see Nyokum Festival
Nyokum is one of the most prominent and cherished tribal festivals of Arunachal Pradesh. Celebrated joyously across the state, especially in areas dominated by the Nyishi community, it is a festival filled with vibrant rituals, merriment, and cultural pride. The towns of Sepa in East Kameng, along with Doimukh, Yazali, and Itanagar, are the key destinations where visitors can truly experience the authentic spirit and grandeur of Nyokum.
Best Season to Visit
Itanagar is a bustling commercial town, welcoming visitors throughout the year with its vibrant markets, diverse cuisine, and cultural warmth. For those eager to witness the colourful splendor of Nyokum, February is the perfect time to explore, as the city comes alive with traditional rituals, dances, and festive gatherings. Meanwhile, landscape lovers will find early winter especially rewarding, when the skies are clear, temperatures are pleasant, and the surrounding hills display their finest views.
How to Reach Itanagar
Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, also serves as a major commercial hub. The city is well-connected, boasting both an airport and a railway station with direct links to New Delhi and Kolkata, making travel convenient for visitors.
Where to stay in Itanagar
Itanagar boasts an ample supply of hotels and resorts, serving as a gateway for those exploring the other parts of the State. Embarking on a stay in a nearby Nyishi village offers a unique and unforgettable experience. For the finest suggestions on such experiences, consult with your tour operator.
