Arunachal Pradesh...

“Early riser”, Arunachal, the land of the rising sun, is the remotest and one of the loveliest regions, yet scantily populated states in the entire North east. All this has added to the allure of this mysterious land.

Arunachal Pradesh shares borderlines with China (Tibet) in the north, Myanmar (Burma) in the east, Bhutan in the west and the states of Nagaland and Assam in the south. Its fertile lands are watered by 5 major rivers, primary among them being the river Siang, the mighty Brahmaputra of Assam. Largest of all the North-eastern states (83,743 sq. kms.) Arunachal is blessed by a delightfully variegated climate- perfect for holidays any time of the year.

Arunachal finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This place is supposed to be the Prabhu mountains of the Puranas. It was here that the sage Parashuram washed away his sins, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhismaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini.

There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes living in the state. Most of these communities are ethnically similar but their geographical isolation from each other, has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs. Broadly, the people may be divided into three cultural groups on the basis of their socio-religious affinities. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng district follow the lamaistic traditions of Mahayana Buddhism. Culturally similar to them are the Membas and Khambas who live in the high mountains of the northern borders, Khamtis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the state are Buddhists of the Hinayana sect. The second group of people are Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis, Mishimis, Mijis, Thangsos, etc. who worship the sun and the moon namely Donyi Polo and Abotani. The third group comprises of Noctes and Wangchos adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap district who are Known for their structured village society in which the heredity village chief still plays a vital role.

Flora & Fauna :

Out of about a thousand species of orchids in India, over 500 are to be found in Arunachal Pradesh alone. These are colorful, spectacular and some bear exotic names such as Sita-Pushpa and Draupadi-Pushpa believed to have been worn by Sita and Draupadi. Some of the orchids are classified as rare and endangered. Arunachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation has established an Orchid Research and Development Station at Tipi, in West Kameng district for propagation and conservation of these species. In addition to Orchidarium in Tipi, two Orchid Conservation Sanctuaries have been established at Sessa and Dhirang respectively.

The wildlife is equally rich and varied. Elephants and tigers abound, especially in the grassy foothills and leopards and jungle cats are quite common. The white gibbon is found in Tirap and Lohit district and red pandas and musk in the higher ranges. The Mithun (Bos Forntails) exists both in wild and semi domesticated form. Traditionally, the Mithun has been a unit of wealth and is allowed to more freely in jungle till it is either used for food on festive occasions, marriage or for barter. Birds found in the state are the great Indian Hornbill, Wood Duck, Green Pigeon, etc.

Fairs & Festivals :

The Losar Festival is the beginning of the New Year according to the Monpa calendar. This 15 day festival falls in January/ February. Its highlights are the colorful Aji Lhamu dance, Lion and Peacock dance and the Yak dance.
The Torgya Festivals is a 3 day affair. The important festival signifies the destruction of evil spirit and harmful forces and seeks the rule of prosperity and happiness amongst the people.

Celebrated in the 4 th month of the Lunar calendar, Saka Dawa festival marks Gautam Buddha’s achievement of Nirvana.
The Dukpa Tse-Shi festival celebrates the preaching of the Four Noble Truths at Sarnath by Buddha. It falls in the 6 th month of the lunar calendar.

Nyokom Festival of the Nishis is celebrated on 26 th February every year to propitiate the Gods for a good harvest.

Mopin is an agricultural festival of the Galos celebrated on 5 th April. Mopin is synonymous with wealth and prosperity.

Solung is the colorful festival of the Adi Minyong group. The festivities last for seven days and the villagers prepare rice beer and store plenty of meat and vegetables for joyous occasion.

Reh is celebrated by the Idu Mishimis on 1 st February. Mithun, buffaloes, pigs and fowls are sacrificed in the name of different Gods and Deities.

Oriah is an agricultural festival of the Wangchos, celebrated on the 16 th February. Festivities last for four to six days and are marked with songs and dances.

Dree is the main festival of the Apatanis. It is celebrated on the 5 th of July after the planting of paddy.

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