Kro-Chekor (also called Kro-Cheykor) Festival of the Sherdukpens

Kro-Cheykor (also called Kro Chekor) is the Sherdukpen community’s major annual festival, celebrated in Shergaon village (West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh) each May–June. It is a month‐long ritual of prayer and renewal, climaxing on a daylong procession and series of rites. Preparations begin weeks in advance with village-wide recitations of Buddhist scriptures, communal brewing of phak (millet wine), and strict taboos on hunting. On the festival day, monks and youth lead a procession carrying a sacred text through fields, stopping at clan shrines (chodham) for blessings. Young men (Makpepu) in warrior dress perform ritual “war dances” alongside masked dancers (Zam, Kengpu, Tang-tang-mu, etc.), re-enacting ancient myths of defeating evil. Women and girls play key roles: as Blang-pu Jomji they carry scriptures and later serve feast, and as hosts they generously feed all participants (indeed, “no one stays hungry” during Chekor). The day concludes with a playful community water fight and night-time songs (Nurjang, LhoJambe) to appease deities. Throughout, the festival symbolizes unity, the fusion of Tibetan Buddhism with animist traditions, and the community’s hopes for a bountiful harvest. A heartfelt Thank You to Jim Deka from OK! Northeast and Tsering La who acted as our insider's guide, helping us to enjoy the festival to it's fullest. Also we would like to thank Nwang from Taksar Lu Farm for his hospitality.Without them it would have been impossible to document this authentic experience. Music Malt Live Sessions Song: "Mirgoo Vocals & Traditional Drums: Leki Phunchu Khrimey Guitar & Music Arrangement: Jim Ankan Deka Traditional Cymbals & Camera: Tse Ring La Location: Zengbu Gompa, Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh Link:    • Mirgoo (Folk song of Shergaon) - Leki Phun...   OK! Northeast:    / @northeastindia   Tse Ring La:    / @tseringlama