Ram Navami

Ram Navami is a festival celebrating the day of the Divine birth of Shree Ramachandra, an avatar of the Supreme Lord. Ram Navami is observed on the ninth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March - April).

Origin

The demon king Ravan was a great devotee of Lord Shiv. He performed severe penance to become invincible. However, he soon grew very arrogant, and misused his powers against the celestial gods themselves. The celestial gods prayed to the Supreme Lord, who agreed to take birth on the earth, kill Ravan, and protect His devotees.Meanwhile, King Dashrath of the Surya dynasty had three wives, but no children.

He performed the Putreshti Yagna to beget children. God blessed the king and decided to take birth as Dashrath’s son. Soon, the king was blessed with four children – Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna. Ram was the eldest of the brothers. He was brave, wise, handsome, and the favorite of the entire kingdom. Lord Ram fulfilled the condition for Seeta’s svayamvar by breaking the bow of Lord Shiv, and got married to Seeta. The day before His coronation as king, to keep his father’s word, He went into to the forest for fourteen years exile. When Ravan kidnapped Mother Seeta, Lord Ram went to Lanka and killed Ravan and other demons in battle, to fulfill His mission. He then ruled the throne of Ayodhya for many years as a perfect king. Ramnavami celebrates the day of His appearance on the earth.

Ram Navami festival

Celebration

The festival is celebrated on a grand scale at the temples of Shree Ram, where a procession is taken out with deities of Shree Ram, Lakshman and Sita, or people dressed up as them. Devotees singing songs in praise of Lord Ramachandra accompany them.

At homes, people pray to Shree Ram and make offerings of delicacies loved by Him. In south India, the main offerings are buttermilk, panaka (a concoction of jaggery, water, lime and pepper) and kosumalli (soaked lentils with a bit of lime, salt and coconut).

In nothern India, the celebrations start days in advance, with people reading the Ramayan over a period of nine days and celebrating Ram Navami on the tenth day. At some places, the entire epic is enacted in plays, called “Ram Leela,” just as in the Dashera celebrations. In some temples, a small deity of Shree Ram is placed on a swing and rocked with love and devotion.

In some temples in southern India, the marriage of Shree Ram and Seeta is re-enacted on this day.

The celebrations are many and varied, depending on the region. No matter how it is celebrated, Ram Navami is a day of joyous celebration, for it commemorates the birth of a universally loved avatar of the Supreme Lord.

Holi festival

Holi is the spring festival of India and is also known as the Festival of Colors. It is celebrated at the end of the winter season, on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalgun (February - March). In West Bengal, it is known as Dol Yatra or Basant-utsav. The most joyous celebrations are in the land of Braj, in district of Mathura, where tourists especially throng during the Holi festival.

Origin

There are many stories associated with Holi. The demon king Hiranyakashipu performed penance for a long time and got a boon from Lord Brahma that he should not be killed under any of the following conditions: in the day or night, inside the house or outside the house, by a man or an animal, in the sky or on earth.

Holi festival

Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahlad was a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu. In the face of severe opposition from his father, Prahlad was always absorbed in devotion to Lord Vishnu and he always spoke about God. Hiranyakashipu was not happy with his behavior. When Hiranyakashipu’s repeated attempts to wean Prahlad away from devotion to Vishnu failed, Hiranyakashipu adopted different means to kill Prahlad. He was given poison, but it turned into nectar instead of killing him. Prahlad was left in a closed room with many poisonous snakes, but they did not harm him. Huge elephants were set loose in an attempt to trample Prahlad, but they too could not kill him.

Finally, Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika’s help was taken. Holika had a boon, whereby she could not be burnt by fire. She took Prahlad in her lap and sat in a blazing fire. Prahlad kept chanting the name of Lord Vishnu and remained unharmed, while Holika got burnt. Thus, Holi derives its name from Holika, and celebrates the protection that God granted to his pure devotee. Later, Lord Vishnu appeared as Narasingh, having the body of man and the face of a lion (He was neither man nor animal). He killed Hiranyakashipu at the doorway to his house (which was neither inside nor outside the house), at twilight (which was neither day nor night), and by placing him on his lap (which was neither sky nor earth).

Holi festival

Holi figures prominently in the leelas (divine pastimes) of Shree Krishna. As a child, Shree Krishna was very playful and mischievous. He complained to his mother about the difference between his dark skin and Radha’s fair complexion. To appease Him, His mother asked Him to apply dark color on Radha’s face. This festival is celebrated remembering this incident, and the Divine love between Radha and Krishna.

Shree Krishna popularized the festival in Braj by His playful pranks, where He applied color on Radha and the gopis using water jets called pichkaris (a domestic syringe-like toy). The celebrations gained acceptance and popularity. Slowly, the use of colors and pichkaris in Holi became rampant. This pastime is wonderfully brought alive each year all over India. In fact, the entire country is drenched in colored water for Holi.

The beautiful scenes of Krishna’s pranks, in which he played color with Radha and other gopis, have been depicted in a number of paintings and murals. In some states of India, there is also a tradition to place the deities of Radha and Krishna in a decorated palanquin, which is then carried along the main streets of the city. All this while, devotees chant Shree Krishna’s name, sing devotional hymns and dance in bliss.

Celebration

Holi is surely one of the most vibrant and joy-filled festivals of India. It is unmatched in terms of fervor, family participation, excitement and revelry. Holi celebrations start with a bonfire on the eve of Holi. This bonfire signifies the burning of Holika in the fire. From the bonfire of Holi, people take a little fire to their homes. It is believed that by following this custom their homes will be rendered pure and their bodies will be free from disease. At several places, there is also a tradition of cleaning homes, removing all dirty articles from around the house and burning them.

In Vrindaban and Mathura, where Shree Krishna grew up, the festival is celebrated for sixteen days, as each major temple organizes a Holi celebration on a different day.

Holi festival

On the day of Holi, people enjoy throwing colors on each other. People play Holi with great elation and spray colored water everywhere. One can hear the shouts and laughter of people shouting “Holi hai! Holi hai!” Color powders are thrown in the air and colored water is sprayed on each other using a pichkari. People usually wear white garments on this day. Many sweets are prepared and exchanged. People gather on the streets and throw colored water on everybody’s clothes, even on strangers who pass by, no matter whether they are rich or poor. Differences of any sort are drowned in the colored waters of Holi, and enemies forgive and hug each other on this day.

In certain places of India, another game is played on Holi day. Women run behind men and tear their shirts. This is celebrated in remembrance of the Lord Krishna and His mischievous games with the gopies. To further enhance the festive spirit of Holi celebrations, people dance to the rhythm of the dholak and sing traditional folk songs in the loudest possible pitch. Children particularly enjoy the festival as they throw water-filled balloons. In the midst of these coloring games, mouth watering Holi specialties like bhujiya, malpua, matthi, puran puri, dahi bada, etc and downed with glasses full of thandai.

After a wild and eventful day, evenings are spent visiting friends and relatives. People exchange sweets and hug each other conveying warm good wishes for Holi.

Holi is very popular in the whole of North India, particularly in Braj region - Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsana that are closely connected with Lord Krishna. Holi is also celebrated with great intensity in Western India as well as Orissa and Bengal.

Outside India, Holi is celebrated by people in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and countries with large Hindu communities, such as Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, UK, USA, Mauritius, and Fiji.

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri, or the great night of Lord Shiv, is the most important festival celebrated by Shaivites or followers of Lord Shiv. This festival falls on the thirteenth or fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Maagh (February - March). People stay up the whole night singing songs in praise of Lord Shiv, performing abhishek (sacred bathing) of the Shivling, or simply remembering Him by chanting His name repeatedly.

Maha Shivratri festival

About Lord Shiv

“Shiv” means “The Auspicious One.” Lord Shiv is one of the three forms of God, along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, who take care of the affairs of the material universe. Lord Shiv looks after the process of annihilation of the universe. He is also the source of fertility in all beings. Thus, He maintains the balance of life in the universe. His abode is Mount Kailash, where He lives with his Divine consort, Goddess Parvati, engaged in deep meditation.

Lord Shiv is usually clad in tiger skin and elephant skin. His hair is tied in a knot on top of His head, where He holds the Ganga, the holiest of all the rivers. Also on His head is the crescent of the fifth day moon. His favorite weapon is the Trishul, or the trident fork. The sound He loves is the beating of the Damru, a small drum that He holds in His palm, and shakes in a rhythmic manner while singing devotional songs. It also indicates His position as the creator of alphabets, language, grammar and music.
Lord Shiv is pleased by sincere devotion, and He accepts even the simplest offerings such as water and the sacred Bilva leaves, if they are given with love.

Origin

There are many stories related to the festival of Shivratri, and they vary from region to region.

Some consider this day to be the one when Shiv married Parvati. Shiv was engaged in meditation for so long and the Gods were impatient for Him to marry, for His offspring would be the only one who could rid them of their prime enemy, the demon Taraka. They were so pleased when Parvati won the heart of Lord Shiv through Her love and single-minded devotion that they celebrated all night long. Even today, Shivratri is celebrated in some temples in India by reenacting the Divine marriage at midnight.

For some, this is the day when the ocean was churned by the celestial gods and the demons for the divine nectar that had the power of granting immortality. However, before the nectar could come out, there emerged “Halahal”, the terrible poison, which started suffocating the entire world. Lord Shiv drank the poison and confined it in his neck, earning the name “Neelkanth.” Maha Shivratri is celebrated on this day, as a thanksgiving to the Lord for saving the world.

There are even more stories related to this sacred day. This is the day when Lord Shiv danced the Tandava dance all through the night. This festival is also linked to the story about the discussion between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu regarding the greatness of Lord Shiv. Lord Shiv appeared before them in the form of a pillar, but they were unable to locate either the base or the top of the gigantic pillar. At last, He appeared before them in His personal form on Shivratri day. There are many such stories in different parts of the country, but they all illustrate the greatness of Lord Shiv.

Offerings to Lord Shiv

Lord Shiv is known as “Abhishek Priya.” He loves being bathed by milk, water and other cooling things, since it helps cool down the effect of the poison He holds in his throat. However, His favorite is the sacred leaf, known as Bilva or Bael. There is even a story to illustrate this.

Once, a hunter was returning home through the jungle, and found himself being pursued by a tiger. He climbed up a tree, but the tiger would not give up, and sat under the tree. As night fell, the hunter was scared that he would fall down and be eaten by the tiger. So, he started plucking leaves from the tree and throwing them down, just to pass the time. That night happened to be Maha Shivratri, and the tree happened to be a Bilva tree. Moreover, there was a lingam underneath the tree, and the leaves plucked by the hunter rained on the Lingam all night long. Lord Shiv was so pleased by this offering, that He appeared in front of the hunter, and blessed both him and the tiger, emancipating them. Such is the power of prayers to Lord Shiv on Maha Shivratri!

Among the other items used to bathe the Lord, the most important are milk, yogurt, ghee, sugar and honey. Vibhooti (sacred ash) and water are also used in large amounts.

Celebration

All over India, people wake up early for the ritual bath. After that, they begin their prayers to Lord Shiv and abstain from food. The whole day is spent in chanting the Lord’s name, and when night falls, devotees visit the temple to participate in the Abhishek there. Most temples are kept open all night long on this day, and prayers continue throughout the night.

Maha Shivratri festival

Singing songs and repeating the name of the Lord, along with other devotees, makes it easier to stay awake, and so Shivratri is essentially a community festival. While the older people in the family actively participate in the prayers inside the temple, there are also activities to keep the children and the youngsters engaged outside the temple. Plays and dramas with religious themes are staged at many places. Thus, the whole family spends the night remembering the Lord.

Basant Panchami

Basant or Vasant is the beginning of the season of spring, and it is to welcome the season that the festival of Basant Panchami is observed. Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day, of the bright fortnight, of the Hindu month of Magh (January - February). This festival is enthusiastically celebrated in the northern and eastern parts of India. It is not observed in the South, which has a very short spring, before a long summer and a mild winter, with a long spell of monsoon separating them.

Basant panchami

Importance

Basant Panchami is one of the few Indian festivals with no story associated with its celebration. It is simply celebrated for the joy the spring season brings, and all the customs and traditions are related to the season and its produce.

Celebration

In Haryana and Punjab, the celebrations are exceptionally grand, since the festival marks the end of winter, which is very severe, and the beginning of the pleasant months of spring. The fields are covered with mustard flowers at this time of the year, and present a beautiful sight. It is as if the ground has been covered with a layer of yellow velvet! Yellow is naturally the color of the season, and people traditionally wear yellow to celebrate the festival. The feast also has a prominent yellow flavor – sweet rice with saffron, which is yellow in color. It is a day of celebration and fun, with the main activity being kite flying, and here too, the color yellow is predominantly visible.

Bengal and the other Eastern states also celebrate Basant Panchami on a grand scale, but in their own distinctive style. Here, the main deity associated with the festival is Mother Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and knowledge. In this celebration too, the color yellow is omnipresent, with Mother Saraswati being dressed in yellow, the people wearing yellow clothes, and even distributing yellow sweets! This is considered an auspicious day for beginning ones education, and children are taught to read and write on this day. Hence, it is even celebrated in schools and colleges. Writing implements and paper are placed at the feet of Mother Saraswati and then taken for use. The influence of Saraswati is not restricted to education alone, but to all branches of learning, even the arts such as music, dance, poetry and literature. People who play musical instruments also pray to the Goddess, placing their instruments at her feet.

Basant panchami

Basant Panchami is a festival celebrating the season of spring, but it all about thanking nature for all the gifts she has bestowed on us. This is the reason we try to mimic the nature we see all around us as we celebrate this festival.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is the harvest festival of India. It is also known as the Thanksgiving festival of India. It is a very popular festival that is celebrated across the country under various names. This special day marks the transition of the Sun into Makar Rashi, the zodiac sign of Capricorn. From this day, begins the six-month long Uttarayan, the northern journey of the Sun, which is considered an auspicious period. The unique feature of this festival is that it is always celebrated on the same day of every year – January 14. People thank Suryadev, the Sun God, for ensuring a good harvest and dedicate the first grain to him.

Makar sankranti 

Religious Importance

People pray to Suryadev on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. He is worshipped as the giver of light, the conqueror of darkness (ignorance), and the embodiment of strength.

The Puranas say that on this day, Suryadev visits the house of his son Shani, who is the master of Makar Rashi. It is said that father and son do not get along well, but Suryadev sets aside all differences and makes it a point to meet his son on this day.

It was on this day that Lord Vishnu ended the ever-increasing powers of the Asuras by defeating them and burying their heads under the Mandarachal Mountain. So this occasion also represents the end of negativities and beginning of an era of righteous living.

The importance of this day was highlighted during the Mahabharat war, when the great grandsire, Bheeshma, declared his intent to leave his mortal body on this day.

In recent times, a very special event took place on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. Shree Kripaluji Maharaj was invited by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat, the supreme body of 500 Vedic scholars at that time. He spoke before them in sophisticated Sanskrit language for ten days, and revealed the true knowledge of all the Vedic scriptures. When the entire assembly realized that his knowledge was deeper than the combined knowledge of all of them, they unanimously conferred upon him the title of “Jagadguru.” This historic event took place on January 14, 1957. Prior to this, only four personalities had received the original title of Jagadguru: Jagadguru Shree Shankaracharya, Jagadguru Shree Nimbarkacharya, Jagadguru Shree Ramanujacharya, Jagadguru Shree Madhvacharya. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj became the fifth original Jagadguru in history. This day is celebrated by his devotees as “Jagadguru Diwas (Day of the Jagadguru).”

Celebration

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in myriad cultural styles depending upon the region, with great fervor and devotion. Millions of people take a dip in places like Ganga Sagar (place where the river Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal) and Prayag (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh), and pray to Suryadev. Houses are cleaned, painted and decorated. In many parts of India, kolams
(colourful ground patterns made out of rice flour) are made in the front courtyards of houses. New clothes for the whole family are bought to mark the festivities. The cattle are decorated with beads, bells and flowers. Their horns are painted and capped with shining metals. Since the festival is celebrated in mid winter, the food prepared for this festival is high in energy. Laddu made of til (sesame seeds) and jaggery is a specialty of the festival. People visit each other and exchange sweets and delicacies.

Celebration in South India

Although Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughout India, it is most elaborate, colorful and vibrant in the southern states of India. This festival is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu which derives its name from the ritual of boiling a mixture of rice, milk and jaggery, and allowing it to spill over. It is also very popular in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as “Sankranti.”

In some parts of Karnataka, it is celebrated as “Yellu-Bella”. Yellu is sesame seeds and ‘Bella’ is jaggery. The womenfolk of each household distribute a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut and groundnuts to relatives and friends. The display of cows and cattle in many colorful costumes in an open field is quite popular. Cows are decorated for the occasion and taken on a procession.

In Tamil Nadu, the celebration lasts for four full days. The first day is celebrated as “Bhogi Pongal” or just “Bhogi”. It is usually meant for domestic activities and family get-togethers. This festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, the supreme ruler of clouds and the give rains. The important ritual observed on this day is “Bhogi”, when useless household articles are thrown into a fire made of wood and cow-dung cakes. This ritual also symbolizes the destruction of evil and elimination of bad thoughts.

The second day of the festival is known as “Pongal”. It is called “Pedda Panduga” (big festival) in Andhra Pradesh. Prayers are offered to the Sun god early in the morning. Family members gather outside their house and cook “Pongal” in clay pots. New pots are painted and decorated with turmeric, flowers and mango leaves. When the rice inside the pot overflows, the people rejoice saying, “Pongal O Pongal!”, as the overflow of rice symbolizes a prosperous farming for them. People worship Sun god on this day by offering both Pongal and sugarcane. Sugarcane is offered as a symbol of sweetness and happiness in life.

The third day of the festival is known as “Maatu Pongal.” This day is considered as the day of Pongal for cows. For the villagers, the cow, a giver of milk and the bull which ploughs the fields are very valuable and therefore the farmers honor them by dedicating this day for them. It is a day of thanks-giving for these two animals. The cattle are washed and their horns are decorated with flowers and painted with many colors.

A bull taming sport called “Jallikattu” is played on this day. In this sport, a bull is left to run in an open ground. Young men display their bravery by attempting to jump on the bull and control it using its horns. It  is an extremely dangerous sport, as the men ride the bulls with their bare hands and with no protection. The raging bulls have very strong and razor sharp horns. People gather in hundreds and thousands to watch this sport.

Makar sankranti

The fourth day of Pongal celebrations is called Kaanum Pongal. In some places, this day is also known as Karinaal or Thiruvalluvar Day. This day is very similar to Rakhsa Bandhan and Bhai Dhooj that is celebrated in Northern India. It is predominantly a festival where women offer prayers for the wellbeing of their brothers. On this day, people travel to see other family members and the younger members of the family pay homage to the elders, and the elders thank them by giving token money. Another ritual many women follow is leave food out on banana leaves for birds to eat.

Celebration in other parts India

In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by taking a dip in a holy river. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, people of all ages celebrate Makar Sankranti by flying kites and holding kite flying contests. In Rajasthan, this festival is known as “Sakrat” while in Gujarat it is known as “Uttarayan”. In the western Indian state of Maharashtra it is called “Tilgul”. This is a special day for married women who are invited for a get-together called “Haldi-Kumkum” and given gifts including utensils.

In the Punjab, this festival is celebrated as “Lohri”. It is also celebrated as “Bhogali Bihu” in Assam and “Shishir Sankraat” in Kashmir. In Bengal, it is celebrated as “Poush Sankranti”. On this occasion, pilgrims gather at Gangasagar, the point where the holy river Ganga meets the sea, to take a dip and wash away all the earthly sins.

Importance

Makar Sankranti symbolizes a new and auspicious beginning for all. It is an occasion to forget the past and allow new light to enter one’s life. It is an opportunity for families to get together and offer their respects to the land and animals that feed them on a daily basis. It gives us a chance to pray to God for the overall prosperity and wellbeing throughout year.

Khasi festival

The Khasi, Jayantis and Garos of Meghalaya celebrate many festivals that are directly and indirectly associated with religion. They are filled with joy and happiness which are expressed externally in the form of dance, feast and pooja.

Shad Suk  Mynsiem Dance

In every religious rite of the Khasi tribe, the grand finale is the performance of a dance, a thank-youd dance called Shad fur, which is now called "Shad Suk  mynsies". Religious rituals or ceremonies may be related to some families, clans, villages, raiyas, or states (Hima).

Shad Suk Mynsiem

Shad Suk Marnsim Dance

In every religious rite of the Khasi tribe, the grand finale is a dance show, a thank-youd dance called Shad Far, now called "Shad Suk Marnes". Religious rituals or ceremonies may be related to some families, clans, villages, rais or states (Hima).

Shad Sook Merci shows the matrilineal and patriarchal aspects of the society. Men with whips and swords encircle the virgin, because the patrons of women's rights have power and resources, while men have twelve powers and resources. Shad Suk Merces is celebrated in the month of April in Shiklang and other places of Meghalaya.

Nongkrem dance

Nongkrem dance

Driving experience through narrow alleys for hills and smithers, which first pass visitors, where the legendary drama drama Hima Khairium (Head of Khairium) is organized in the courtyard of the CEM, it is exciting and fun . For students of "serious traveler" and culture and history, there is a lot to learn and store from this dance tribe, which is held every year in Smile, which is 15 kms away from Shillong.

It is one of the most important festivals of the tribe and it is celebrated with pomp and happiness. Hundreds of travelers have visited the festival from different parts of this country and from abroad, traditional style CEM, head of Khasi State, and CEEM, Samsung, Cam Priests, who are considered to be carers, all religious ceremonies, ministers and mango People celebrate the fourth day of the festival when most visitors come in the courtyard and look at some of the most beautiful traditional costumes performed by women and men Are decorated for Young virgin girls wear expensive silks and shad kintai dances in the inner circle of gold ornaments area, while the turban wearing dhoti with full sleeve shirt, sleeve coat and sword owners is the legacy of the outer circle.

Losar festival

Losar festival celebrate in the Arunachal Pradesh by the monpa and other community. Other community like Sherdukpens, Memba, Khamba and Nah. Mainly this festival known as new year festival for tibetan Buddhism. This is a annual festival for tibetan Buddhism. Losar festival mainly celebrate in three day by monpa community and started this festival February 11 each year.

Losar festival

In the first day of losar he prepare feast among his families and the priests make offering to the highest priest called the Dharmapala, whereas the masses visit friends and family and wish them Tashi Delek.Also according to the local cultural, sprouted barley seeds and other grains are offered on home altars to ensure a good harvest.

Losar festival dance

In the second day of losar known as Gyalpo Losar. This day national leaders and kings are honoured. On this day people are exchange gifts among with family and relatives. Third day of losar festival known as Choe Kyong Losar. The people make offerings to Dharmapala and tie prayer flags on rooftops and across the locality and celebrate the festival among the community. Although the spiritual observance ends on the third day.

History of the Loser Festival

Losar festival is the date of ex-Buddhist Bon Era in Tibet. Historically, the Buddhist festival of Losar is celebrated during the winter solstice, but Ladakh adheres to a different set of rules while celebrating their Losar festival. There is an interesting story on the root of the loser gatherings in Ladakh. On the eve of the establishment of a campaign against the Balastar forces in winter, King Jameong Namgyal was advised not to lead the campaign before the new year. To solve the problem, in relation to the advice, he celebrated New Year in Ladakh for two months.

It was established as a tradition and since then, on the first day of the eleventh month (according to the lunar calendar) is celebrated every year. During this festival people provide adequate sunlight to promote local deities and spirits. Later, this event was converted into an annual Buddhist festival which was probably started during the tenure of the ninth Tibetan King, Pud Gongyal.

During festival young boys and girls perform the colourful traditional dance of monpa community.

Lyuva khutla festival 

This festival is celebrated when the jams have been cut or cleared in the month of Pamah, also called march. This festival is also known as the name "Pakhupi La" given after a name. This is the biggest festival of the Mar tribes in the southern part of Mizoram.

Lyuva khutla festival

This is also a festival of thanks. A rich man's house is chosen and gathered for a festival prepared by rural women. A vessel of rice beer is contributed from every house and in the fields a dance called "Pakhupu La" is performed.

The number of days is not fixed for the festival of Lyuva Khutla, because the duration of the festival depends on the number of days of villagers to contribute food and drink.

Even today, this festival is celebrated in the district of Sihha in the beginning of March which is also called Malland. Traditional dresses are decorated on this day and cultural dances are performed by artists. People dance on the tune of folk songs and community festivals in the evening.