Organised by the Assam governement, the annual Dehing Patkai Festival is held in the tea town of Lekhapani in Tinsukia district. The festival gives you a glimpse into the cultural diversity of indigenous communities in Assam. This year the festival is being held from January 16 to 19.
Here's why you should add it to your 2023 travel calendar.
Tribal Fairs
Assam is home to many indigenous tribes, and around 20 of them take part in the festival. The communities host fairs showcasing their art and craft, music and dance, and food.
Tea Heritage Tours
Visitors can go on organsed tours of tea gardens in the area and get an idea about the process of making tea.
India's Oldest Refinery
You can also take a tour of the Digboi Oil Field and refinery which dates back to 1901. Said to be Asia's oldest oil refinery, it is still in operation. The area also has pre-Independence era bungalows.
World War II Cemeteries
The Tinsukia district has a 75-year old World War II cemetery at Longtong in Lekhapani which houses around 200 graves of Chinese soldiers who fought against the Japanese. Another point of interest is the old Stilwell Road, an old route which was constructed by Allied soldiers during the war. This used to serve as the passage to Myanmar at one time.
Activities
You can take part in many fun activities while here, such as golfing, angling, kayaking and parasailing, and even an elephant safari into the wild.
The Information
What Dehing Patkai Festival
Where Lekhapani in Tinsukia, Assam
When January 16 to 19, 2023
Getting there New Tinsukia Junction is the nearest railway station connected to major cities. The nearest airport is in Dibrugarh at a distance of 34kms.
The weather remains moderately cool in summers in winters, the temperature goes down to 1° degree Celsius, or less. So carry woollens.