The Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Hosting its vibrant colors and distinctive heritage, the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh is truly enchanting. Since it is the proud home of several indigenous tribes, this state has several unexplored rituals and traditions. Owing to its vast color palette of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and joyful people, Arunachal Pradesh is amongst the best festive locations in India for having a cultural trip.

We all know that there is no better time than the regional celebrations to truly explore what a region has to offer. Planning a trip during the famous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh not only adds more fun to your trip but gives you an opportunity to dive into the beliefs of the people, and make new friends and memories that will remain with you till the end of time. In addition, The festivities provide you with a chance to indulge in the delicious food of Arunachal Pradesh.

Quick Overview of Most famous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

The festivals of Arunachal Pradesh portray the best instances of community and gratitude towards the land since a vast majority of its people are agriculturists.

Let’s have a look at the major festivals of Arunachal Pradesh that are sure to leave you mystical-

1. Siang (Brahmaputra) River Festival
2. Torgya Festival
3. Losar Festival
4. Ziro Festival of Music
5. Solung Festival
6. Mopin Festival
7. Pangsua Pass Winter Festival
8. Nyokum Festival

The Siang (Brahmaputra) Festival of Arunachal Festival

• Popular Cultural and Adventurous Gaming Festival
• Takes place in December every year
• Also known as the Yomgo River Festival
• Celebrated in the Eastern Tiang region of Arunachal Pradesh in the towns of Tuting, Pasighat, and Yingkiong
• Organized along the coasts of the Yomgo river which is a tributary of the Majestic Siang (Brahmaputra) river
• Major attractions- Motor boats, Folk dances, River rafting, Hot air balloons, paragliding, Cultural Shows, Indigenous games, and sports

The Torgya Festival of Arunachal Pradesh

• The major annual festival of the Monpa Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh
• Takes place at the Tawang Monastery
• Falls during the months of January and February
• Festivities remain in progress for 3 consecutive days
• Every 3 years, the festival is celebrated as Dungyur Festival which is blessed by The Dalai Lama
• The major attraction is the traditional ‘Sha-na Cham’ dance by the Buddhist monks, which portrays the Choe-Gyal Yap & Yum Tsa-Munde deities.

The Losar Festival of Arunachal Pradesh

• Celebrated to welcome the New Year, according to the Tibetan Lanar Calendar, and cast away any evil spirits
• Takes place with great enthusiasm among the Monpa Tribe in the Twawang Region of Arunachal Pradesh
• Usually falls during February or March
• Marks the agricultural significance as during this time the floors of Apricot are in full bloom
• The festivities remain in place for 8 days upto a fortnight
• Must do activity is to dive into the local drinks and cultural delicacies

The Ziro Festival Of Music ZFM

• One of the most visited and most famous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
• This event is the best time to experience cultural, Indian, and International artists
• Location so the Ziro festival of Music is The Ziro Valley
• Hosted by the Apatani Tribe, every year during October or November
• Also regarded as the Sunburn Festival of Arunachal Pradesh
• The arrangements are completely environmentally friendly the stages are built from Bamboo
• There is no match to the soul-rejuvenating feeling you get at The ZFM

The Solung Festival of Arunachal Pradesh

• Agricultural Festival celebrated with great zeal to pray for a good crop
• Takes place in the month of September, usually after the seeds are sown
• The festival involves sacrificing mithuns and pigs towards the Mighty Dadi Bote, who is considered to be the God of domestic animals
• Kine Nine, acclaimed to be the Goddess of food and harvest is also worshipped
• The main attraction is the Ponung Dance Event, in which all the ladies of the tribe participate
• Celebrated by the Adi Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh who are found in the East and West Siang, the Upper and Lower Dibhang Valley along with the Upper Siang regions

The Mopin Festival of Arunachal Pradesh

• Celebrated with Great endeavor by the Galo tribe of Arunachal Pradesh which resides predominantly in the East Siang and West Siang regions
• It is a colorful agricultural festival
• People cover their faces with the rice powder, which marks the beginning of the festivities
• Mithun is sacrificed to God in an attempt to obtain the blessings
• Takes place for 5 days
• Must do activity is to savor the regional rice brew referred to as Apong by the members of the Community
• Takes place during February, March 

The blend of 2 cultures- The Pangsua Pass Winter Festival

• One of the most unique festivals in the entire world
• Celebrated at the Pangsua Pass which serves as a connecting link between Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar (Burma)
• The geographical boundaries are discarded for 3 days and tribes from both sides come together to celebrate
• This is a modern festival that began in 2007
• Best time to witness cultural harmony and shop for handmade products and local handicrafts
• Takes place in January each year in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh
• Places of Interest nearby- the Lake of No Return, The World War 2 Cemetery, Stillwell Road, The hell gate, the border bazaar

The Nyokum Festival of Arunachal Pradesh

• Celebrated by the Nyishi Tribe it is One of the most religious festivals in Arunachal Pradesh
• Literally translates as the festival of the Land and People
• Takes place in the following districts of Arunachal Pradesh- Lower Subansiri, Papumpar, Kurung Kummey, East Kemang
• The festivities involve sacrificing animals on a specially made bamboo platform known as the Yugang, performing rituals, and praying for the prosperity of the tribe and the region
• Cultural dances by the members are a beautiful sight to behold
• Commemorative to call upon nature's heavenly elements to enhance community cooperation, prosperity, and well-being.

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