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About Ali-Ai-Ligang

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About Ali-Ai-Ligang

Ali-Ai-Ligang is the spring festival of the Mising people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It begins on the first Wednesday of Ginnang, the month of Phagun, in February, and marks the start of sowing.

The name tells its meaning: ali is a root or seed, ai is fruit and ligang is sowing. On the first day, the head of the family sows the first paddy seeds in the field and prays for a good harvest.

For five days young people dance the Gumrag to drums, cymbals and songs, going from house to house. Families share apong rice beer, purang apin rice cooked in leaves, pork, fish and fresh greens.

The festival is kept along the Brahmaputra in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar and Golaghat, and it is a holiday in many districts of Assam.

How people celebrate Ali-Ai-Ligang

  • Sowing the first paddy seeds
  • The Gumrag dance to drums and cymbals
  • Apong rice beer
  • Purang apin, rice cooked in leaves
  • Feasts of pork, fish and greens
  • Five days of song and dance

How to wish well

  • Greet Mising friends on the first day, the first Wednesday of Phagun.
  • Wishes for a good sowing, a rich harvest and joyful dancing suit the day.
  • A wish in Assamese is warm and widely understood.

Questions about Ali-Ai-Ligang

When is Ali-Ai-Ligang?

On the first Wednesday of the Assamese month Phagun, in February. In 2027 it falls on 17 February.

What does Ali-Ai-Ligang mean?

Ali means a root or seed, ai means fruit and ligang means sowing. It is the festival of sowing seeds.

Who celebrates Ali-Ai-Ligang?

The Mising people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, who live along the Brahmaputra and its rivers.

What is the Gumrag dance?

The joyful group dance of Ali-Ai-Ligang, danced to drums, cymbals and songs, often from house to house.

What food is made for Ali-Ai-Ligang?

Apong rice beer, purang apin rice cooked in leaves, pork, fish and fresh greens.

How long is Ali-Ai-Ligang?

The celebration goes on for five days.

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