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About Nyokum

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About Nyokum

Nyokum, or Nyokum Yullo, is the main festival of the Nyishi people, the largest community of Arunachal Pradesh. It is celebrated on 26 February, with prayers and gatherings over two or three days.

The name joins two words: nyok, the land, and kum, people coming together. The festival is a prayer to the spirits of nature for good harvests, good health and peace for all people and animals.

Priests lead prayers at a bamboo altar, and families offer rice, rice beer and food. People dance and sing in traditional dress, with the hornbill beak headgear worn by men, and share a big community feast.

Nyokum is kept in Papum Pare, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, Kamle, Lower Subansiri and other districts, and in Itanagar it is a large public celebration. Friends of every community are welcome.

How people celebrate Nyokum

  • Prayers at a bamboo altar
  • Offerings for good crops and good health
  • Traditional dress and hornbill beak headgear
  • Rikham Pada songs and group dances
  • A big community feast

How to wish well

  • Greet Nyishi friends on 26 February, the main day.
  • Wishes for good harvests, peace, health and unity suit Nyokum.
  • "Happy Nyokum" or "Happy Nyokum Yullo" is the simple greeting.
  • Keep wishes respectful; the prayers are central to the day.

Questions about Nyokum

When is Nyokum celebrated?

Nyokum Yullo is celebrated on 26 February every year.

What does Nyokum mean?

Nyok means land and kum means people coming together. The festival brings people together to pray for the land and everyone on it.

Who celebrates Nyokum?

The Nyishi people of Arunachal Pradesh, in Papum Pare, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, Kamle and nearby districts.

Why is Nyokum celebrated?

To pray to the spirits of nature for good harvests, health, peace and prosperity for people and animals.

Is Nyokum a holiday?

Yes, it is a holiday in Arunachal Pradesh.

What do you say on Nyokum?

Say "Happy Nyokum" and wish people peace and a good harvest.

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