In the Mising language, “Ali” means legumes, “Aye” means seed, and “Ligang” means sowing
Digital Desk: The Mising community across Assam celebrated Ali Aye Ligang, their sacred agricultural festival, with traditional rituals, seed sowing ceremonies, music and dance on 18th February.
Observed as the beginning of the agricultural cycle, the festival reflects the deep-rooted connection between farming, nature and culture in the state. Members of the community ceremonially sowed agricultural seeds to mark the occasion. Men and women, along with daughters and daughters-in-law, came together to perform the traditional Gumrag dance, adding vibrancy to the celebrations.
A significant section of Assam’s population depends on agriculture for its livelihood, and the Mising community shares an especially close bond with farming traditions. Although the Assamese New Year begins in Bohag, preparations for the new agricultural cycle commence earlier with Ali Aye Ligang, which is celebrated in the month of Fagun, ahead of Bohag Bihu. The festival symbolically sets farming activities in motion for the year ahead.
In the Mising language, “Ali” means legumes, “Aye” means seed, and “Ligang” means sowing, together signifying the season of seed sowing, particularly of legumes and paddy.
Traditionally, the festival was observed on any convenient day during Fagun. Over time, a fixed custom evolved, and it is now celebrated on the first Wednesday of the lunar month, considered auspicious by the community. This year the festival is celebrated on 18th February .
The final day of the festival, known as Lilen, is marked by a grand community feast. People gather to share traditional delicacies such as Po:ro Apong or Nogin Apong (homemade rice beer), various pork dishes, and Purang Apin , a special preparation of packed boiled rice. The feast symbolises unity, hospitality and communal harmony.
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