Arunachal Pradesh is a state of distinct culture and diverse traditions. It is a colorful state where a lot of tribes are Inhabitat. This amazing state showcases diverse cultures and traditions. That is why when we talk about the festivals of Arunachal Pradesh, we get lost in its culture and rich heritage. Whether it is an agricultural festival or a religious festival, they celebrate them as a single community by singing, dancing, and paying gratitude. Besides that, it also gives us a unique peek inside the culture and traditions of the state.
So, here are some of the best festivals of Arunachal Pradesh that you can witness if you are planning to visit the state to get the real vibe of the place:
1) Siang River Festival
Siang River Festival is also known as the Yomgo River Festival in Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the most famous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh that is held to celebrate communal harmony. Most of us do not know that earlier this festival was celebrated in the form of the Brahmaputra Darshan Festival. This festival promotes eco-tourism and offers a lot of adventure fun activities.
Time: January
Duration: 5 days
2) Pangsau Pass Winter Festival
As the name suggests, Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is celebrated during winters and is one of the most popular Arunachal Pradesh festivals. This festival is celebrated in the month of January in Nampong, Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a three-day fest that showcases the ethnicity and traditions of the state. In this festival, various fun activities are performed such as folk dance, folk songs, an exhibition of handloom and handicrafts, and many more things. People from all across India visit there to witness this festival.
Time: January
Duration: 3 days
3) Ziro Festival Of Music
Ziro festival of music is one of the most famous Arunachal Pradesh festivals all over India. It is an outdoor music festival that is considered the own version of the Sunburn Festival. It is a four-day festival that showcases the performances of international and domestic music artists. Besides that, folk acts are also prepared for more entertainment of the audience. At this festival, you will get an ample amount of opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Arunachal Pradesh that brings a lot of tourists around this time of the year.
Time: September
Duration: 4 days
4) Solung Festival
Solung festival is celebrated in the month of monsoon. This festival is especially celebrated by the Adi community in the West Siang district. This 10 days festival is considered one of the most well-known festivals in Arunachal Pradesh. On the first day of the festival, Indian bison and pigs are slaughtered and on the second and third day, the meat is distributed among the relatives.
After that, on the fourth day, one of the family members goes to the field and sacrifices a fowl for Kine Nane, and on the seventh day, men assemble to make bows and arrows. Finally, on the last day, village people uproot the weak plants of paddy. This festival is celebrated for the Goddess Kine Nane to get rid of worms and insects from the fields.
Time: Monsoon
Duration: 10 days
5) Nyokum Festival
Nyokum festival of the Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated for the harmony and prosperity of the people. This festival is celebrated by the Nyishi tribe on the 28th of February every year. Nyokum means Land people where Nyok means land and Kum means people. It is a 2-day festival that enjoys singing, dancing and gathering up of the people. The major rituals are performed by the high priest to bring prosperity to each household. If you want to see real Arunachal Pradesh, then witness this festival.
Time: February
Duration: 2 days
6) Losar Festival
Losar festival is one of the most important festivals in Arunachal Pradesh that is celebrated by the Monpa tribe. This festival is celebrated to welcome a new year West Kemang district. Without a doubt, it is one of the major attractions from all over India among tourists. The Losar festival is celebrated for about 8 to 15 days during the month of February or in early March. To celebrate this festival, religious flags are hoisted atop each house, homes are cleaned, prayers are offered, holy scriptures are read, and whatnot.
Time: February
Duration: 8 to 15 days
7) Dree Festival
The dree festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the state of Arunachal Pradesh by the Apatani tribe of the Lower Subansiri district. To celebrate this festival, people offer the sacrifice of fowls, eggs, and animals to the Gods. This festival is dedicated to the Gods Tamu (protects plants), Metii (controls famine and epidemics), Danyi (protects mankind), and Harniang (ensures the fertility of the soil). It is one of the most celebrated and well-known festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.
Time: July
Duration: 1 day
8) Boori Boot Festival
Boori Boot festival is the harvest festival of Arunachal Pradesh. It is celebrated by the Hill-Miris in the Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri districts. It is a 3 days festival which happens to take place in the month of February. To celebrate this festival, people come together irrespective of their caste, creed, age, and sex. On the other hand, it is also believed that worshipping the spirit of Boori Boot will bring prosperity to their lives and will keep them safe from diseases as well. Besides the traditional rituals, various fun activities are performed to celebrate this festival.
Time: February
Duration: 3 days
9) Loku Festival
Loku festival is celebrated to bid farewell to the winter. It is the main festival of the Nocte Tribe of Tirap district. The word Loku means to drive out the season where Lofe means to drive out and Rangku means the season. It is considered an agriculture festival and is celebrated in the month of February. It is a 3 days festival which starts with the slaughtering of pigs and buffaloes. After that, their meat is prepared by the villagers on the next day. Finally, the villagers engage in folk dances. Besides the traditional value, it is also mandatory to wear their traditional costumes in this festival.
Time: February
Duration: 3 days
10) Sanken Festival
The Sanken festival is celebrated on 14th February each year. It is one of the most important religious festivals in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a three-day festival that is celebrated by the Khampti tribe of the Lohit district. This festival that marks the beginning of the New Year is dedicated to Lord Buddha. In this festival, villagers abstain from killing animals and taking intoxicating drinks.
Time: February
Duration: 3 days
