Bishu Festival

Bishu is the important festival celebrated by the whole Dimasa kachari people on 27th January every year with the celebration of great pomp and splendor among the Dimasas. Bishu is celebrated after completion of post-harvest. Bishu, the word gives the meaning such as Brai-Sibrai or Shiva is a supreme God in Dimasa society. So, in this way, the entire harvesting new paddy offer first to the Brai sibrai madai(God) for peace of the human kind is called Bishu. It means ‘Bi’ means pray and ‘Shu’ means asking the peace in life. Fangsla, an artistically designed gate, is erected at the village entrance for the Bishu festival. Bishu has a three kind namely Surem Bishu observe for three or five days, Hangseu manaoba Bishu is observed for seven days and Jidab Bishu is for only one day. Gajaibao is selected as a head of the festival. He is conducting all the festival.
Meats of the animals and birds killed are consumed in a communal feast on the very day. Bishu is followed by singing accompaniment of playing by dancing of Kharams (Drums), Muri, the wooden bugle continues first to third days without stop. Man and woman, Boys and Girls and others with their traditional dress spend whole night by dancing in the festivals. In the afternoon local games like long jump, high jump, stone throw is organised in front of Nodrang in last day. Bishu garba is conducted by the Khunang with elders. Any chief guest, invited guest has to be welcome by playing the Muri and Kharam in any occasion in Dimasa society.
P. Monuhar Thaosen
Former Gen. Secy
Dimasa Public
Organisation Nagaland