The festival marked by vigorous songs and dances, merrymaking and fun is now observed only for three days from 1 to 3 May. The natural customary practice of the fore-fathers was competing in making the best rice beer and rearing the best possible pigs and cows to be slaughtered during the festival. The womenfolk would weave the best of traditional garments and adorn themselves with all their fineries. They would join the men folk in dancing, eating and drinking and composing warrior’s song. Singing songs in praise of the lover and the village as a whole was done and the older men folk would encourage the young people to be bold and heroic to defend and protect them from enemies as head-hunting was practiced during the fore-fathers time. During this festival one of the symbolic celebrations is SANGPANGTU where a big fire is lit and men and women sit around it. The women serve the best wine and meat and make merry. Forecast is made by the righteous men who live by the guidance of the Almighty to see whether good or evil days are awaiting the people.
 

AO : TSÜNGREM MONG

Aos have another festival called TSÜNGREM MONG. It is celebrated on the eve of the harvest. However, nowadays the Aos celebrate this festival from 1 to 3 August. Prior to the Start of the festival the Village will declare the Süngküm (Village gate) closed and free entry or exit is restricted and regulated for the people who do not belong to that particular village.

Parties of young and old wearing their colourful costumes sing songs and perform dances to express their gratitude to the Supreme Power for helping the crops to grow well. They provide the best offerings to the Supreme Power for abundant blessings. The festivals provide opportunities to the budding generation and village stalwart to demonstrate their intellectual skill and physical prowess. A handful of young men hold the stage and tell amusing storied about their elders. Peals of laughter greet them and young and old jump in excitement.

These festivals are usually rounded off by a tug of war between men and women, Stories are galore that men lose to please their womenfolk. But none has refuted the argument that attracted by charm of the opponents, absorbed by their sweet songs and regaled by their very presence men lose gracefully. The only defense offered is that men have to pull uphill and the women downhill. Whatever the spirit behind this sport it is a treat to see and a honour to participate.