Guwahati, March 1 -- byBarasha Das

The Rupa Buddhist monastery is abuzz with activity as the Shertukpen people, a prominent tribe residing in the Rupa sub-division of the West Kameng district in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, eagerly prepare for their most cherished annual festival - Khik-saba. This festival, celebrated towards the end of November each year, holds significant cultural importance for the community. Despite their adherence to Buddhism, the tribe remains steadfast in their commitment to honouring their ancient traditions through Khik-saba, a festival dedicated to the local mountain deities. The weeklong festivities entail elaborate ceremonies that require a substantial amount of ground maize, used in the prepa...