What’s up, globetrotters! Get ready to rumble (or should I say, “drumble”?) for another crazy adventure with yours truly, Shiva. This time, we’re swapping the flip flops for hiking boots and diving headfirst into the vibrant heart of Arunachal Pradesh. My destination? The Wroang Festival of the Ollo tribe and Nocte tribe – and let me tell you, it’s not your average fair. We’re talking colors that could put a rainbow to shame, traditions that go back centuries, and a connection to the land that’ll blow your mind.
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Lost in the Land of Giants: The Ollo Tribe and Nocte Tribe in Lazu Village
So, where exactly is this crazy festival? Picture rolling green hills that look like a giant green carpet, with mountains so tall they touch the clouds. That’s where we’re going! Deep inside these mountains lives the ollo tribe, in a village called Lazu. Now, these people are some of the coolest folks I’ve met. They’re friendly, love to laugh, and their clothes are so colorful, they could put a rainbow to shame!
When I arrived in Lazu, everyone was getting ready for the Worang Festival. There were drums beating everywhere, women were cooking up a storm, and kids were running around like excited puppies. I even saw some older ladies with beautiful tattoos on their faces. It turns out, a long time ago, many ollo and nocte women used to get tattoos, kind of like a cool permanent design!
Hornbill, Hornbill, Fly so Free: Why Do They Celebrate This Bird?
But what’s the big deal about this festival? Why are they celebrating? Well, the answer lies in a very special bird – the hornbill! This magnificent creature with a giant beak is kind of like a rockstar for the ollo tribe. Here’s the story: according to the ollo people, way back when, the hornbill taught them how to grow crops and farm their land! Pretty cool, right?
So, the Worang Festival is basically a giant thank you party to the hornbill for showing them how to grow yummy food. In the olden days, people even used hornbill feathers to decorate their clothes during the festival. Nowadays, they don’t use feathers anymore to protect the birds, but the hornbill is still the star of the show!
Dhol Beats and Happy Feet: Dancing Like Nobody’s Watching (Because They’re All Dancing Too!)
The Worang Festival lasts for three whole days, and let me tell you, it’s a non-stop party! Everywhere you look, there are people dancing. Young, old, everyone joins in the fun. The music comes from these big drums called “moirangs,” and the beat is so catchy, it makes you want to move your body.
There’s a special area in the village where everyone gathers to dance. It’s like a giant circle, and everyone joins hands and moves around in a big loop. Some people even wear special clothes for dancing, with all sorts of bells and jingling things that make a happy noise with every step.
The best part? Everyone is so welcoming! Even though I wasn’t from the village, they pulled me into the circle and showed me the steps. Let me tell you, I wasn’t the most graceful dancer, but everyone was laughing and having a good time, so it didn’t matter.
Nom Nom Time: Food Fit for a Hornbill
Of course, no festival is complete without delicious food! During the Worang Festival, the ollo tribe people cook up a feast that would make your tummy very happy. We’re talking about things like smoked pork that smells amazing, stews made with wild herbs that taste like a secret family recipe, and of course, mountains of fluffy white rice grown right there in the village.
There are also special sweets made with local fruits and nuts, and they are so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean! The best part is that everyone shares their food, so you get to try a little bit of everything. By the end of the festival, I was so full and happy, I could barely move (but that might have been from all the dancing too!)
Mock Headhunting? Don’t Worry, It’s All Fun and Games!
Now, here’s something interesting I learned about the ollo tribe. A long time ago, they used to do something called “headhunting.” Basically, they would fight with other tribes and take their heads as trophies. Sounds scary, right? Well, don’t worry, those days are long
gone! These days, the ollo people are all about peace and love. But during the Worang Festival, they have a funny tradition that kind of pokes fun at their headhunting past.
Here’s how it works: some of the men dress up like warriors from old times, with face paint and pretend weapons. Then, they run around the village pretending to fight each other. It’s all a big joke, of course, and everyone laughs and cheers them on. It’s a way to remember the past, but also to celebrate how much things have changed for the better.
So Long, Lazu! Taking a Piece of Worang Festival with Me
The Worang Festival was an experience I’ll never forget. The colors, the music, the food, the friendly people – it all came together to create something truly magical. When it was time for me to leave Lazu village, I felt a little sad, but mostly I just felt happy. Happy to have made new friends, happy to have learned about a new culture, and happy to have danced like nobody was watching (even though everyone was!).
So, if you’re ever looking for an adventure that’s full of color, fun, and delicious food, then the Worang Festival in Arunachal Pradesh is the place for you! Just remember to pack your dancing shoes and your appetite, because you’re in for a treat!
Getting to the Land of Hornbill Celebrations: A Traveler’s Guide
Alright everyone, so you’re all fired up about the Worang Festival after hearing about my crazy adventures, right? That’s awesome! But before you pack your bags and head straight for the airport, let’s talk about how to actually get to Lazu village and experience this amazing festival for yourself.
Reaching for the Mountains:
Here’s the thing: Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful but remote state. There aren’t any major airports right next to Lazu village. However, there are a couple of ways you can get there:
- Fly to Lilabari or Guwahati: The closest airports to Lazu are Lilabari Airport in Assam and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, also in Assam. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Road Trip it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a road trip from nearby towns like Tezpur or Guwahati. Just be prepared for some stunning mountain scenery and maybe a few winding roads!
Tips for a Smooth Festival Experience:
- Inner Line Permit: Arunachal Pradesh requires an Inner Line Permit for tourists. This is basically a special permission to enter the state. You can apply for it online or at designated entry points.
- Festival Dates: The Worang Festival is usually held around March and April. It’s always best to double-check the exact dates before you book your trip.
- Accommodation: Lazu village is a small place, so there aren’t any big hotels. However, you can find some homestays run by local families. This is a great way to experience the ollo culture firsthand!
- Respect the Culture: Remember, the Worang Festival is a celebration for the ollo tribe. Be respectful of their traditions and customs. Ask permission before taking photos of people, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Special Treats Beyond the Festival: Exploring Arunachal Pradesh
While the Worang Festival is definitely a highlight, Arunachal Pradesh has so much more to offer! Here are a few other things you can check out while you’re in the area:
- Tawang Monastery: This beautiful monastery is perched high in the Himalayas and is said to be the largest monastery in India.
- Namdapha National Park: This park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and hornbills (of course!).
- Zero Point: This scenic spot offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Local Crafts: Arunachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful handicrafts, such as wood carvings and textile weaving. These make great souvenirs!
Remember: This is just a taste of what Arunachal Pradesh has to offer. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and friendly people, this state is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Arunachal Pradesh and experience the magic of the Worang Festival for yourself!
Other stories from Arunachal Pradesh
- A detox town in Arunachal Pradesh with happy people and no internet!
- Flowing gold – Subansiri river of real gold!