Which festival is popularly known as the 'Water Festival' in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Poi Sangken
Explanation
Poi Sangken is a traditional New Year festival celebrated mainly by Buddhist communities (especially the Khampti, Singpho, and Aiton tribes) in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is popularly known as the 'Water Festival' because during this celebration, people sprinkle holy water on one another. This practice symbolizes peace, purity, and the washing away of the sins and impurities of the old year.
Key Points
The festival marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Buddhist calendar, usually falling in the month of April (coinciding with Baisakhi in North India and the Songkran festival in Thailand).
On the first day of the festival, idols of Lord Buddha are ceremonially given a bath with holy water.
The ritual of splashing water is not merely for fun; it is a traditional way of extending good wishes and blessings to one another for the coming year.
Additional Facts
The Losar festival is the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, celebrated primarily by the Monpa community of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Dree festival is a famous agricultural festival of the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, where prayers are offered for a good harvest.
The Mopin festival is another major harvest festival celebrated by the Galo tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, where 'piku' (white rice flour) is applied to each other's faces for prosperity.
Important Questions
Question: Poi Sangken is primarily celebrated by which tribe of Arunachal Pradesh?
Answer: The Khampti tribe.
Question: Which festival of Northeast India is considered similar to the famous 'Songkran' water festival of Thailand?
Answer: Poi Sangken.