Jayantia girls perform the indigenous plate dance. Troupes of the Dimasa, Jaintia, Biate, Hrangkhawl, Nepali, Meitei and the Karbi tribes, in their traditional attire, danced as schoolchildren holding the national flag, village elders and youth cheered them. Photo: AP
Dimasa tribal men play traditional instruments. Jatinga is famous for a rare phenomenon of birds “committing suicide.” Photo: AP
Dimasa girls in their traditional dress taking part in the first International Jatinga Festival in Jatinga. On a moonless night, when the mist and fog bearing south-westerly winds blow over the Jatinga valley, different species of local migratory birds get attracted to strong light sources or “bird trap lights.” Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar.
A Dimasa tribal man prepares to perform a traditional dance. Dubbed as the “ritual of bird suicide,” the event witnesses flying birds crashing to the ground with no prior warning whatsoever on moonless and foggy dark nights in Jatinga. Photo: AP
Girls from Hrangkhol tribe in their traditional dress participate in the festival. The phenomenon remains an unsolved mystery, with many theories doing the rounds. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
An elderly tribal woman holds the national flag and walks with others to witness the festival at Jatinga. In the 1980s, Jatinga was a hot destination due to the bird phenomenon. However, the number declined as insurgency gripped the hill district. Photo: AP
A Jaintia tribal couple reacts before performing a traditional dance during the festival. Now that two major militant groups of the district — the Dima Halam Daogah and the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel faction) — have entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Government, Jatinga is poised to become a favourite tourist destination again. Photo: AP
Dimasa tribal boys prepare to perform a traditional dance. According to the Organisers, the Jatinga Festival 2010 is an attempt to regain the paradise lost due to the various socio-political dynamics and insurgency in the district. Photo: AP
Jayantia girls performthe traditional plate dance during the festival. Dima Hasao district of Assam can become a favourite tourist destination because of its enchanting natural beauty and fascinating mosaic of ethnic diversity. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
A Biate tribal girl plays a bamboo musical instrument called “Mebur.” Bird watchers, nature lovers, tour operators, travel writers and tourists arrived at the festival. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
Dimasa musician plays a “Muri” (flute) as a traditional drummer accompanies him. Keeping in tune with the Times, in addition to folk performances the festival also witnessed a live performance by Bollywood singer Lucky Ali. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
A Dimasa girl shows her traditional dress and ornaments at the festival. Eco-tourism activities like trekking to the Hempeopet Peak, visits to different community villages and tourist spots, exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafts and showcasing of ethnic cuisine have been arranged as part of the festival. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar.