Nyokum is a festival of the Nishi tribe of
Arunachal Pradesh and is celebrated during the month of August. This festival is dedicated to
Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of crops).
The priests offer prayers to the images and symbols representing the deities, while the girls perform dance to appease the gods. The girls sing songs wishing for health, prosperity and unity of the people.
On the second day people from neighboring villages come together to a common place of worship, bringing with them the animals to be sacrificed. The animals are sacrificed after rituals.
This festival is celebrated to seek the blessing of the goddess for better prosperity and well-being.
