About East India

East India, also called Eastern India, is a geographically and culturally diverse region located in the eastern part of India. The region is marked by its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, the fertile plains of the Ganges delta, and the mountainous terrains of the eastern Himalayas. It includes the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Sikkim.

The dominant geographical features of East India include the rich Ganges delta, the mineral-rich Chotanagpur Plateau, the Sunderbans mangrove forest, and the hills of the northeastern states. The region is also home to significant biodiversity with several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

The administrative definition of East India varies. The Ministry of Home Affairs includes West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Eastern Zonal Council. In some contexts, the northeastern states are also considered part of East India due to their shared cultural and geographical features.

Festivals & Food

...
Losoong Festival, Sikkim

Celebrated by Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepalese communities in Sikkim, Losoong marks the New Year. The festival features traditional dances, music, feasts, and religious ceremonies.

Explore
...
Bihu

Bihu is a major festival in Assam, celebrating the Assamese New Year and the harvest season. It involves traditional dances, music, feasting, and rituals, reflecting the culture and agricultural heritage of Assam.

Explore
...
Ras malai

Ras Malai is a popular Indian dessert made from soft, spongy milk-based dumplings soaked in sweet, creamy milk, flavored with cardamom and saffron. It’s a rich and delicious treat enjoyed across India.

Explore
...
Gobi manchurian

Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish of crispy fried cauliflower, coated in a tangy, spicy sauce with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and spices. It is served as a flavorful snack or appetizer.

Explore

Place Must Visit

Jonha Falls

Jonha Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand, India. Often referred to as the "Niagara of India," it is part of the Ranchi Plateau and drops from a height of about 43 meters (141 feet). Surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty, the falls offer a serene and picturesque setting.

The area is accessible via a series of steps, and visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for picnics and photography.

Jonha Falls is a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists seeking a tranquil escape from city life.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the Indo-China border in the Eastern Himalayas, at an elevation of 14,140 feet (4,310 meters).

Situated in Sikkim, India, it connects the Indian state to Tibet, China. The pass is a popular tourist destination, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding landscape.

Historically, Nathula served as a vital trade route between India and China, and it remains strategically important. The area is known for its chilly weather, rich flora and fauna, and its significance in Indo-China relations. Access to Nathula is restricted, requiring permits for visitors.

Music & Dance

Chhau

Chhau is a traditional Indian dance form, primarily performed in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. It is a vibrant and energetic folk dance that combines elements of martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling.

The dance is performed during festivals and is often associated with the worship of deities, such as during the Chhau festival in Purulia, West Bengal. The performers wear intricate, colorful masks representing various mythological characters, and their movements are synchronized to the beat of traditional drumming.

There are three main styles of Chhau: Purulia Chhau, Seraikella Chhau, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, each with distinct regional characteristics. In 2010, Chhau was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Folk Music

Eastern Indian folk music is a diverse and vibrant tradition, rooted in the cultures of states like West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, and Bihar. It includes forms like Baul music from West Bengal, known for its spiritual and mystic themes, and Jhumur, a rhythmic dance and song from Jharkhand.

Borgeet from Assam blends devotional lyrics with classical elements, while Pala Gaan from Bihar narrates mythological stories through song. Sutradhar in Odisha combines folk and classical styles to tell regional tales.

These music forms, often accompanied by traditional instruments, reflect the rich cultural heritage and spiritual life of Eastern India.

Food

Kelli Chana- Spicy peas from Manipur

Kelli Chana is a popular spicy snack from Manipur, India, made primarily from chickpeas (chana) that are roasted and seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices.

The chickpeas are cooked until crispy, then tossed with a variety of ingredients such as green chilies, onions, garlic, ginger, and local herbs, creating a bold, tangy, and spicy taste. Often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, Kelli Chana is known for its crunchiness and fiery kick.

It reflects the vibrant and rich culinary traditions of Manipur, where the use of fresh, aromatic spices plays a key role in everyday dishes.

Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a popular Indian dessert made from chhena (a form of fresh cheese) and semolina, which are kneaded together, shaped into soft, round balls, and cooked in a light sugar syrup.

Originating in Odisha and West Bengal, rasgulla has a spongy, airy texture that soaks up the syrup, giving it a sweet, delicate flavor. The dish is often served chilled and is a staple in Indian celebrations and festivals.

Known for its simplicity and purity, rasgulla's melt-in-the-mouth quality has made it one of the most beloved sweets across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.