Context: Recently, Tiwa tribals celebrated the Yangli festival at Bormarjong village, in Karbi Anglong district, Assam.

About Tiwa Tribals

• Tiwa tribes, also known as Lalungs, inhabit both the hills and plains of Assam and Meghalaya states.

• They hold the status of a Scheduled Tribe in Assam.

• The hill-dwelling Tiwa villagers engage in traditional practices such as Jhum cultivation, horticulture, and the cultivation of local crops and vegetables.

• Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman linguistic group.

About Yangli Festival

• The Yangli festival is celebrated before starting the paddy sowing

• It is also known as the Lakshmi Puja of the Tiwa people.

• It is celebrated with traditional rituals, emphasizing the community’s strong ties to agriculture, their primary livelihood.

• It serves as an occasion for prayers seeking a bountiful harvest and divine protection for crops against pests and natural calamities.

• It is held once in 5 years.

• In April, Khelchawa festival is celebrated by Tiwa tribes marking close of the harvest season.

Celebratory Activities

• Festivities commenced with traditional rituals and vibrant dances.

• It continues with a joyous gathering along the riverbanks.

• It draws participation from over five hundred individuals representing various groups like Amchi, Rangkhai, and Magrat.

• Ceremonial animal sacrifices, including poultry and goats, are performed to honour the goddess and ensure her benevolence upon the Tiwa people’s granary, known as “NoBaro.”