The Mising tribe, one of the largest indigenous communities in Assam, recently celebrated the Ali Ai Ligang festival, an important cultural and agricultural event. This festival takes place on the first Wednesday of the Assamese month of Fagun and signifies the start of the sowing season. It holds deep ties to the agricultural traditions of the Mising people, who rely heavily on farming for their livelihood.
Ali Ai Ligang is a significant festival for the Mising community, marking the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. The name itself conveys its essence—“Ali Ai” signifies seeds, while “Ligang” translates to sowing. This festival highlights the deep connection between the Mising people and their land, emphasizing their reliance on agriculture for sustenance. Beyond being a farming ritual, it is a time for social cohesion, where the community gathers to celebrate, pray for a bountiful harvest, and pass on traditions to the younger generation.
How is Ali Ai Ligang Celebrated?
The festival begins with a special flag hoisting ceremony called Laitom Tomchar, followed by rituals dedicated to agricultural deities, particularly Donyi Polo, the Sun and Moon gods. The Mising community presents traditional foods like Apong (a rice beer), dried fish, and meat to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest. During this time, specific farming activities such as plowing and tree cutting are strictly prohibited, as they are thought to disturb the sacred essence of the festival.
Cultural performances are a central part of the celebration. The Gumrag dance is the highlight of the event, performed by men and women in rhythmic movements that symbolize joy, unity, and prosperity. Traditional songs accompany the dance, narrating daily life, emotions, and ancestral stories. Instruments such as the dhul, taal, gong, and gagana add to the festive atmosphere.
