Nyokum Yullow fest gets off to a colourful start

NIRJULI, (Arunachal), Feb 26 — Nyokum Yullo — the most popular socio-religious festival of Nyishi tribe took off to a colourful start on Tuesday. The main function of the day was held at Nirjuli, Nyokum Ground, about 20 km away from capital Itanagar. The Nyishis of Upper, Lower Subansiri, East Kameng and Papum Pare districts celebrate this festival with religious fervour and gaiety. According to Nyishi legends. The word Nyokum is derived from two words Nyok, meaning entire land mass of the earth and Kum means putting things together. And so the Nyishis interpreted Nyokum festivals as inviting all Gods and Goddesses with Nyokum Gods as principle deity to a particular spot at a particular time and is worshipped by the people irrespective of caste and creed and for better productivity, prosperity and well being of all human beings on the earth. The Nyishis, however, widely celebrate Nyokum Yollo as festival of agriculture than that of religious one by and large. During the course of celebration the Nyishis, through parents called Nyub invoke all Gods and Goddesses for better crops, good harvests, to kill all harmful insects and happiness and well being for all human beings on the earth by offering domestic animals (Mithun) and birds in traditional way. The Nyokum Yullo, according to Nyishis, is not only worship of the almighty for peace, prosperity and happiness to all human beings (performers and non performers) but also the symbol of unity and equality. It provides and opportunity to each and every individual to improve upon one-self to be good and better. The function started with the reception of the State’s Power Minister, Lijum Ronya, who was the chief guest of the function by the organizing committee. He was given a colourful reception by about 300 odd tribal ladies cultural troupe. The organizing committee presented to him the traditional headgear and jacket. The minister congratulated the Nyishi community on the occasion and prayed for the well being of all human beings on the earth. Dance performed by the young boys and girls, especially Rikam Pada, Buya Nunam etc characterized by brisk stepping, flinging and flapping of hands and swaying of heaps reflect youthful passions and reproductive urge. Meat fish etc are essential for the fast and the celebration of Nyokum remains inconclusive without local brew called ‘Opo”. The festival has certain taboos in respective of cutting trees, hunting, ploughing, burning jungles which are strictly observed.