Explore the versatility of North East India

The pomp and show exuded during the onset of any festival generally mark the beginning of a series of intensive events, usually pertaining to a very specific moral cleanse. Most festivals in India have a mythical relevance attached to it, but usually have a real-life symbolism behind them. Festivals act as gateways for all segments of the masses to come together and participate with full vigour. One such festival is Ashokastami, which is one of the major festivals of East India and invites tourists from all over the nation to join in this joyous occasion.

Held in Tripura with utmost grandeur, it is one of the most awaited celebrations in the state. With a large number of the population constituted by the Hindus, it shouldn't come as a surprise as to why most of the rituals bear a heavy resemblance to the Hindu way of worshipping the divine powers. However, this does not side-line the presence and existence of the indigenous tribals found in the state, thus helping the state gather the title of being a space for a juxtaposition of diverse social groups.

The book of the tribals, called Ochai, dictates their tendency of worshipping deities in their natural forms, pertaining to the environment. A festive fair, locally known as Mela, is organized, giving a carnival-like impression to the juxtaposition of various cultural communities, where humans, irrespective of caste, class, and gender, are welcome and made to enjoy the atmosphere filled with the warmth of the fete, to the fullest extent.

The major portion of the festival revolves around the hallowed dip in the sanctified Ashtami Kunda, which is believed to cleanse souls of the past sins. This ritual is performed at Unakoti, which is also a major spot for all the devotees to gather during other revered festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Makar Sankranti. The sincere worship the Lord with heartfelt devotion is carried because we have faith in the dimension of depth in the consciousness of religion which is believed to create tension between what is and what ought to be, the bend of the bow from which every arrow of moral action is shot to fly.

Like any festival which promises to hold a site of festivity for all the believers to joy and savour, the Ashokastami festival is highlighted by its Fair, which is seen as a symbolic Usually organized in the months of March and April according to the movement of the lunar calendar, also known as Hindu Tithi. The annual organization of the festival is carried out with equal vigour and valour.

The festival marks the arrival of yet another cause of celebration among the masses and gives them a reason to break the monotony of their everyday lives. If you want to have a frivolous trip, schedule it around this time of the year.