Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan
(himangshur1989@gmail.com)
Ali Ai Ligang is one of the most significant festivals of the Mising community in Assam, marking the beginning of the sowing season, especially for the Ahu paddy. This festival, deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, embodies the harmonious relationship between the Mising people and nature. The name itself reflects its essence—“Ali” refers to legumes, “Ai” to seeds, and “Ligang” to sowing. Celebrated with grandeur and devotion, it is a time of communal gathering, cultural expression, and paying homage to ancestral traditions preserved for generations. Observed on the first Wednesday of the Mising lunar month of Gimur Polo, which usually falls in February or March, Ali Ai Ligang is a festival that brings joy and unity to the community.
It is not merely an agricultural festival but a cultural spectacle that showcases the Mising people’s rich heritage. The celebrations begin with the ceremonial act of seed sowing. The head of the household, often the eldest member, leads this ritual by selecting a small piece of land where the first seeds of the season are sown. Offerings such as Apong (rice beer), fish, and rice wrapped in leaves are made to deities and ancestral spirits, seeking blessings for a prosperous harvest. This ritual reflects the community’s respect for nature and dependence on a favourable agricultural cycle for sustenance.
Ali Ai Ligang is also a festival of restrictions, as certain activities are prohibited during its observance. To maintain the sanctity of the occasion, ploughing, tree-cutting, fishing, and burning fields are avoided. These restrictions uphold traditional beliefs and highlight the community’s sustainable practices and reverence for the environment. Such customs reflect the Indigenous wisdom of the Mising people, who have long understood the need for ecological balance. The festival is incomplete without the vibrant cultural performances that accompany it. Music and dance form the heart of Ali Ai Ligang, with the Gumrag Soman dance being the highlight of the celebrations. This traditional dance is performed by young men and women in colourful attire, moving in rhythmic synchronisation to the beats of the dhul (drum), taal (cymbals), and gong. The dance, performed in an open space, begins from the easternmost house of the village and proceeds towards fields and riverbanks, symbolising prosperity and the cycle of agricultural life. The Gumrag Soman dance is more than a visual spectacle; it is a cultural expression that binds the community together, reinforcing their shared traditions and values. Folk songs known as Oi Nitom are another integral aspect of Ali Ai Ligang.
These songs, passed down through generations, narrate tales of love, daily life, and nature’s beauty. Sung in a melodious and soulful manner, Oi Nitom reflects the poetic depth of Mising oral literature. The lyrics often convey emotions of joy, longing, and gratitude towards nature, capturing the essence of the community’s way of life. Through these songs, the festival becomes not just a celebration but also a medium to preserve and transmit the Mising people’s cultural legacy. Feasting is an essential part of the festival, bringing families and neighbours together to enjoy traditional delicacies. The final day, known as Lilen, is marked by a grand communal feast where special dishes are prepared. The Mising people take pride in their culinary heritage, which includes Purang Apin (rice wrapped in leaves and boiled), various preparations of pork and fish, and the locally brewed rice beer, Poro Apong. The act of sharing food during Ali Ai Ligang reinforces social bonds, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and hospitality in Mising culture.
While the core traditions of Ali Ai Ligang remain unchanged, the festival has also adapted to modern times. With increasing migration to urban areas, Mising communities living in towns and cities organize cultural events to celebrate their heritage. These include stage performances, competitions, and discussions on Mising identity, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their roots. The festival’s growing recognition has also led to government and cultural organizations supporting its promotion, acknowledging its significance as an important cultural event in Assam. Ali Ai Ligang is more than just a festival; it is a symbol of identity, unity, and tradition for the Mising community. Through its rituals, music, dance, and feasting, it encapsulates the deep connection between people, land, and culture. In a rapidly changing world, where traditional customs are often at risk of fading, Ali Ai Ligang continues to thrive as a proud celebration of Mising heritage.
The festival not only strengthens cultural pride but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the need to preserve indigenous traditions. As each year brings a new cycle of sowing and reaping, Ali Ai Ligang remains a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the Mising people.