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Arunachal Pradesh is home to a diverse culture of various tribes. The thriving state celebrates various agricultural, religious, and socio-cultural festivals throughout the year.
These festivals give an insight into the cultural lifestyle of the state. From captivating dance performances to scrumptious cuisines, these festivals are a must-attend when in Arunachal Pradesh.
List of Top Famous Festivals Celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh
1. Nyokum Festival in Arunachal Pradesh
Nyokum is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the biggest tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Parliamentary Secretary Hydro Power Phosum Khimhum graced the festival at Doimukh on Monday.
The word ‘Nyokum’ when broken down, means land or earth and also means togetherness. This is exactly what the festival embodies.
2. Sanken in Arunachal Pradesh
A yearly socio-religious festival of water, Sanken is celebrated by the Khamptis and Lohit districts along with Singpho, Tikhaks, Khamyang, and Phakyal communities. People during this festival refrain from manual work, drinking intoxicating drinks, gambling, and animal killing. They also avoid cutting trees.
3. Siang River Festival Arunachal Pradesh
Siang River Festival Arunachal Pradesh provides a platform for the tribes that live along its banks to showcase their culture and traditions. From graceful Buiya dances to energetic Ponung dances, each performance reflects the idiosyncratic beliefs of these communities.
Nyokum is a key cultural event among the Tagin tribe and is celebrated to pray for a bountiful harvest. The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is another great option for adventurous travelers looking for a unique winter experience.
4. Boori Boot Festival Arunachal Pradesh
Boori Boot Festival Arunachal Pradesh is a unique and vibrant occasion where one can witness the tribal culture of this beautiful region. It is celebrated to hail the spring and a successful harvest.
This event essentially brings people together irrespective of caste, creed, and age to enjoy themselves. The rituals include chanting hymns and animal sacrifice.
5. Ziro Festival of Music Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Festival of Music Arunachal Pradesh is an independent music festival hosted in the quaint town of Ziro. The festival was started in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty, guitarist of the band Menwhopause.
Travelers who wish to attend the festival are advised to secure an Inner Line Permit (ILP) which can be procured from all Indian missions abroad and at offices in Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. Also, you can find many travel companies that offer a package comprising festival tickets and camping.
6. Losar Festival Arunachal Pradesh
Losar Festival Arunachal Pradesh is a 15-day celebration of Tibetan New Year and takes place in February. It is celebrated by the Monpa tribe in all the regions of India with a focus on Tibetan Buddhism such as Sikkim, Ladakh, Spiti, and Kinnaur.
7. Pangsau Pass Winter Festival Arunachal Pradesh
Pangsau Pass Winter Festival Arunachal Pradesh is a global village event that showcases the cultural grandeur of Northeast India and Myanmar. The three-day extravaganza takes place in the picturesque town of Nampong, located on the border of India and Burma.
8. Tawang Festival Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang Festival Arunachal Pradesh is a cultural fiesta organized by the state tourism department. This tourism extravaganza showcases the Monpa tribes’ rich culture.
The festival starts with a procession or religious tradition called Sebang. Buddhist monks from the nearby Tawang Monastery walk to the venue to offer their blessings.
9. 5th Arunachal Literature Festival
ITANAGAR: The 5th Arunachal Literature Festival anchored by renowned authors YD Thongchi and Mamang Dai concluded here today. The event is aimed at generating awareness about the importance of reading and literary works.
A session on ‘Queer and Allies’ was also organized to create a safe space for marginalized voices.
10. Siang River Festival Arunachal Pradesh
Siang River Festival Arunachal Pradesh is a tribute to the enthralling natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh. This event promotes cultural diversity and encourages eco-tourism in the region.
Losar is a spring festival observed by the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a time for people to come together, regardless of their age and social status.
11. Mopin Festival Arunachal Pradesh
The Galo tribe celebrates this festival by dancing in traditional attire, singing folk songs, and smearing rice powder on each other. The Galo community also organizes the popular ‘Popir dance’ on this occasion.
Taking part in the celebration, minister Tumke Bagra urged the community to preserve and promote their culture. He also appealed to the young generation to learn the culture and tradition for posterity.
12. Dree Festival Arunachal Pradesh
Governor extends warm greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and especially the Apatani tribe on their celebrated Dree Festival. The event is a celebration of agriculture and its allied sectors.
It is an agricultural festival and the Apatanis offer prayers to four Gods – Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi for a bountiful harvest season. Fowl and animals are sacrificed as a part of this festival.
13. Chalo Loku Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is home to a wide array of cultural experiences. From thrilling adventure to spiritual immersion, festivals like the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival, Losar, Nyokum, and Si-Donyi showcase the resilience of indigenous cultures.
Loku is a harvest festival of the Nocte tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The celebration begins with the slaughtering of pigs and buffaloes.
FAQs
What is the famous festival in Arunachal Pradesh?
Siang River Festival is a famous festival in Arunachal Pradesh.
Which food festival is popular in Arunachal Pradesh?
Nyokum, Boori-Boot food festival is popular in Arunachal Pradesh.
What is the winter festival of Arunachal Pradesh?
Pangsau Pass is the winter festival of Arunachal Pradesh.
4 major festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
- Solung festival
- Nyokum
- Mopin festival
- Boor boot festival
Main festival of Arunachal Pradesh
Siang River Festival is the Main festival of Arunachal Pradesh.