Nyokum

The festival is commonly celebrated by the people from all class and walk of life for better productivity, prosperity and happiness of all human beings.

The Nyishi believe that human being's can live a life of peace and prosperity on this earth only when a perfect harmony is maintained between man, God and nature.

The nyubh or the traditional priest specifies the number and kinds of animals for sacrifice, or any other offering to be made.

The women also dress in their finery of par ej, earrings bead necklaces, topped with a headdress made of finely scaped bamboo.

Guests are welcomed with rice paste powder, and opo or millet seed beer which is scooped in dried gourd ladles.

Usually men and women hold hands in a circular form and sing and dance these lines Nyokum bo tapa debe.

And sometimes men dance mock fights with dao (short sword) and shield made of animal hide.

So marriage proposals were impending like shooting star, flowing of pure and milky river water, Rikham Pada was man of principle, therefore he rejected them.

A priest during Nyokum puja, Arunachal Pradesh
Women dancing around the sacrificial altar at Nyokum puja