Pongtu Festival

Tutsa’s PONGTU Festival Tutsa’s celebrate two major festivals : “Pongtu Kuh” and “Ronghun Kun”. The “Pongtu Kun” festival is an integral part of the socio cultural life of the Tutsa’s which is celebrated every year in the month of April to get blessings for the tender millet plants in the Jhoom field. One of the major festivals of Tutsa tribe is Pongtu which is being celebrated every year on 11th of April . Pongtu is an important and oldest agricultural festival celebrated by the Tutsas on the eve of rainy season. The word “ PONGTU” is composed of two words i.e., ‘Pong’ which means ‘WIND’ and ‘Tu’ means ‘RETREATING’. The Pongtu festival of Tutsas is celebrated before the harvesting of Millet rice and to welcome the New Year and to drive out the old. The Pongtu festival is observed by offering prayers to the supreme God Rangkhothak which is believed to be ine Goddess both benevolent and malevolent for bumper harvest, prosperity and protection from natural calamities, epidemics etc.Though 11th April is the date fixed for the celebration of Pongtu festival in general, different Tutsa villages celebrate it over the month of April, May and June every year. The date of the festival is fixed by the village chieftain of respective villages in consultation with the village elders or Ngong-a-Wang and on the appointed day, the Thom ( Drum) is beaten up by a wooden handle to announce that Pongtu festival has started. According to age old custom the celebration of Pongtu in villages should start in Changra village first and not in any other village. It is only after Changra starts the celebration rest of the Tutsa villages can start with celebration of Pongtu in their respective villages. In similar manner the festival has to be wind up by Tut village of Tutsas which marks the end of Pongtu After a week long celebration, the Tutsas go out in the jungle to collect their cows, buffaloes and other animals which are branded or marked for identification. Later the valuable ornaments, millet plants, weapons and agricultural implements are placed in the house and ritual worship is offered to the gods and goddesses as well as spirits by sacrificing a pig. The liver, lungs and legs of the animal sacrificed are examined and the prospect of the ensuing year is predicted by the Lungwang ( Chief). Rice beer is prepared by using Hi-Kan fire ( Traditional way of making fire by rubbing woods) . Sumptuous meal is prepared and enjoyed by the community and thus people enjoy this festival.Festive Attires :Tutsa people of Changlang is well known for weaving which is a part of every household. Weaving has played an important role in displaying the culture and traditions of the Tutsa people. They have their own hand-woven unique designs on their dresses for both men and women.