Nyishis' Nyokum begins in Arunachal

NIRUBJULI (Arunachal), February 27: Nyokum Yullo - the socio-religious festival of the Nyishis tribes - took off to colourful start at Nirubjuli, around 25 km from state capital Itanagar today. The Nyishis of Upper and Lower Subansiri, East Kameng and Papum Pare districts of Arunachal Pradesh celebrate this festival from January 24-27 every year. It reflects the beautiful culture and traditions of the Nyishis. According to Nyishis legends, the word 'Nyokum' is derived from two words - Nyok, meaning entire land mass of the earth and Kum means putting things together. Therefore the Nyishis interpret Nyokum festivals as inviting all gods and goddesses with the Nyokum gods as the principle deities to a particular spot at a particular time and are worshiped by the people irrespective of caste and creed for better productivity, prosperity and well-being of all human beings. The Nyishis also celebrate Nyokum Yullo as an agriculture-related festival rather than for its religious connotation. During the course of celebration, the Nyishis' priests called 'Nyub' invoke all Gods and Goddesses for better crops, good harvests, to kill all harmful insects and happiness and well-being of mankind by offering domestic animals (mithun) and birds in the traditional way. The Nyokum Yullow, according to Nyishis, is not only a worship of the almighty for peace, prosperity and happiness to all human beings (performers and non performers) but also symbol of unity and equality. It provides and opportunity to each and every individual to improve upon oneself to be good and better. Boys and girls, performed dances like Rikam Pada, and Buya Nunam characterised by brisk stepping flinging and flapping of hands with swaying of hips reflecting youthful passion and reproductive urge. Meat fish etc, are essential for the feast and the celebration of Nyokum remains inconclusive without the local brew called Opo. The festival has certain taboos. Cutting a trees, hunting, ploughing, burning jungles etc, are strictly prohibited during the fest.