Its winter season and time for fun and frolicking, feast and festivities in the Northeast. In fact, with the advent of winter, festive fever grips the entire region.

In some states government offices and institution are closed whereas in other states offices record a thin attendance. People are busy celebrating festivals with their families, relatives and friends and exchanging greetings over the phone, texts and social media.

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The first day of December started with the colourful Hornbill festival in Nagaland. The ten-day festival showcased unique culture of the region. During this ten-day period of festival people travelled from their villages to be part of this colourful extravaganza.  In fact, Kohima witnesses a heavy rush of visitors both from within and outside.

Festivities in Sikkim started with Kagyed dance, one of the most popular Buddhist festivals, at different monasteries in the state on December 16.  Kagyed festival is followed by the festivals of Losoong and Namsoong from December 19 to 23 this year. Losoong is an important festival of Bhutia community of the state, while Namsoong is also an important festival of Lepcha community of Sikkim. Then comes the Nyenpa Guzom festival on December 24. The year will end with another important festival of the state, Tamu Lochar  on December 30. Tamu Lochar is one of the traditional festivals of Gurung community and marks the beginning of the Gurung New Year.

Tura in Meghalaya  witnessed the “Tura winter youth festival” from December 18 to 20. It showcased the rich culture of the state amidst a collage of vibrant colour and youthful energy.

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A decorated tableau depicting the birth of Jesus Christ at Don Bosco Christ Church on the eve of Christmas, in Guwahati. Photo : UB Photos

On December 25 Christians all over the region celebrate Christmas, the day the Saviour of the world was born of a virgin. People celebrate Christmas in different ways: some with a Christmas service in church, some with a gift-giving activity, others with a vacation somewhere relaxing, and most, if not all, with food and a good time with family.

Carol sing-song and pre-Christmas celebrations by churches are on in grand manners since second week of this month. The people have decorated their houses with Christmas trees, lights and stars and have been exchanging greetings and gifts with each other. On this day, all family members spend time in baking cookies, making fudge and preparing a big Christmas dinner.

We only know the magic of Christmas tree it holds right up to Christmas morning.  The Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. Even though the practice of putting up a tree and decorating it began long after Christ’s death and resurrection, it represents the importance of Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus. Christmas trees come in many different sizes and are decorated in many different ways. Below is the video of some of the spectacular Christmas trees.

Courtesy :YouTube