Yulo

The inhabitants of the state of Arunachal Pradesh are precisely bifurcated into large number of tribes amongst which the Banganis are one of the most famous. It is the Banganis who celebrate the festival of Yulo with a lot of jubilation and pride. Yulo is a celebrated once every year principally during the months of March and April which tallies with the months regarded as Lakhang and Leekhar according to the calender of the Banganis.

Yulo in Arunachal Pradesh is such a grand festival that it is feted for a period of not less than five days. However, under some special circumstances the tenure of the Yulo of Arunachal Pradesh is also lengthened by a span of two days to relive the joyous moments once again. The venue that hosts this magnanimous festivity is dowered with the name of Mlkom Yulo Nyengeng although on a few occasions the spot might be subjected to alteration.

The necessary ingredients which constitute an integral part of the festival known as Yulo at Arunachal Pradesh are rice making powder, silk fiber, rice beer and sumptuous portions of eggs. This festival also involves the slaughtering of innocuous beasts like the pig, goat, fowl, cow which are brought by accumulating fund from all the occupants of the villages.

The commencement of this auspicious occasion is marked by offering rice beer to the deities named 'Doni Yulo and Kamio-Yulo. A white colored cock is also sacrificed. The liver of the sacrificed cock holds special importance as it a part of the omen. Post the termination of this festival the villagers sternly prohibit themselves from exiting the premises of the village and this period is known as Mlkom-Arina.

Last Updated on 03 January 2011