Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh events

Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern most state of the Indian subcontinent is recognized as a calendar of a long procession of festivals. The festivals of Arunachal Pradesh are not only characterized by color, jollity, fervor, feasts and an assortment of prayers and rituals but also bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Agriculture is the main occupation of the state and hence the festivals celebrated by the inhabitants of the state are in a close relation with their occupation. Some of the important festivals celebrated with much exuberance in this state are Solung, Losar, Mopin, Dree, Nechi Dau, Boori Boot, Loku, Longte Yullo, Khan, Kshyatsowai, Ojiale, Moi, Nyokum, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu. The most common ritual observed in the festivals of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly among the Non-Bodic tribes is animal sacrifice. The state festivals are also finely blended with the lifestyle of the people. The specific aim behind the celebration of these festivals is to bring all the people together who might otherwise be scattered in far-flung villages. The festive celebrations are also a reminder of the cultural heritage of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The celebration of the springtime festivals mainly takes place during the period from January to April by the various communities. In the festive celebrations the religious rites and sacrifices are generally performed by the priests assisted by some selected male members.

Reh Festival - The Reh festival is celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh for six days during which appeasement of the deities who control peace and prosperity is through. This festival is essentially associated with the Idu Mishmis and requires a number of sacrificial buffaloes. The arrangements of this festival have to be made four or five years prior to the actual celebrations, as it is quite an elaborate and expensive affair.

Losar Festival - The New Years Day in the state of Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated as the Losar Festival for a span of consecutive five days. During this festival the people indulge themselves in cleaning their household to welcome the new and to usher out the old. During these five days prayers are offered for good health and prosperity. People also opt for hoisting religious flags atop their homes during these festive celebrations. Buddhist scriptures are read in almost all homes and butter lamps are lit in almost all houses and the campuses.

Tamladu Festival - The Tamladu festival is one of the ancient festivals of Arunachal Pradesh and is observed in the Lohit district of the state. This festival is celebrated on the 15th of February and essentially forms a part of the festive celebrations of the Digaru Mishis. During this festival prayers are offered to the ‘God of the Earth’ and the ‘God of the Waters’. The tribal dance and the traditional customs make the festivals even more attractive towards the tourists as they get the opportunity to enjoy the old heritage of the state.

Khan Festival - The Khan festival of Arunachal Pradesh bears a unique tradition and encourages all the locals to participate in it irrespective of caste and creed. This festival is mainly of the Mijis, one of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and is essentially observed as a religious festival where the holy priest ties a holy thread around the neck of the natives. The wonderful blend of cultural heritage is thus reflected in the Khan festival of Arunachal Pradesh as people from different backgrounds come together and participate in the festive celebration.

Saga Dawa Festival - The Saga Dawa festival of Arunachal Pradesh is mainly celebrated by the Buddhist sects of the state. It is believed universally that on this very day Buddha has achieved ‘Enlightenment’. The Buddhists carry the holy book of Buddhism and from the Tsuklakhang Monastery the procession goes around the city with the holy teachings of the Lord.

Sanken Festival - The Sanken festival is another important festival of Arunachal Pradesh. This grand ceremony stands as an auspicious ritual. The image of Lord Buddha is royally bathed with holy water. It is of course not only a religious festival but also lot more as this festival marks the New Year. Joy, merriment and bliss enlace this fiesta as people sprinkle holy water on each other to illustrate happiness.

Mol Festival - The Mol festival is another widely popular festival in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This particular festival is celebrated for three days to welcome the New Year. People from all across the state indulge themselves in pure fun and frolic. Visiting relatives, feasting on sumptuous delicacies commemorates the festive celebration of this particular occasion.

Apatani Festival - The Apatani tribes of Arunachal Pradesh sincerely observe a series of agricultural rites and festivals by sacrificing domestic fowls, animals and eggs in different periods for ensuring the bumper yield of crops. The divinities associated with the Dree festival or Apatani festival are collectively known as ‘Dree or Dri-Wuhi’.

Mongpa Festival - The Mongpa Festival of Arunachal Pradesh reflects the true tradition of the state as well as that of the Monpa tribe. This tribe follows the lunar calendar and hence this festival is celebrated according to the dates of the lunar calendar. This festival is generally associated with harvest and is celebrated to ask the favor of the Almighty on granting of his blessings for the health of the crop.

Mopin Festival - One of the tribal groups of Arunachal Pradesh, the Gallong community celebrates the Mopin festival to please the Goddess of welfare, wealth, peace, prosperity and wisdom. This festival is celebrated for a span of five days in order to get rid of natural calamities, diseases, effects of evil spirits and for good harvest, wealth, health and prosperity. The smearing of rice powder on each other’s faces commemorates the beginning of this festival.

Brahmaputra Darshan Festival - The Brahmaputra Darshan Festival is organized in Arunachal Pradesh every third year at Roing, from the 28th to 31st of the month of January in the English Calendar. This festival aims at projecting the River Brahmaputra as a symbol of unity and communal concordance. This festival begins with a Puja at the site of the river and various events form a part of the celebrations. This festival not only helps in achieving social unity but also serves as a medium to showcase the rich tradition and the cultural heritage of the communities living in this state.

Myokoh - Myokoh is a highly solemnized community festival of the Apatani society. It is observed for the general well being of the whole Apatani society. It is celebrated every year during the month of March and lasts for the whole month.