Arunachal Pradesh - Fairs and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals Arunachal Pradesh

Being a distinctly tribal state, festivals are an integral part of the socio-cultural ethos of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Most festivals are connected with agriculture and celebrated with ritualistic gaiety either to thank God for his providence or to pray for a bumper harvest. The festivities mirror the culture, the artistry and the skills of the people in music and dance.

LOSAR FESTIVAL
The Losar Festival marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Monpa Calendar. This 15-day festival falls in January and February. Highlights include the colourful Aji Lhamu, Lion, Peacock and Yak dances.

TORGYA FESTIVAL
The Torgya Festival is a 3-day affair. This important festival vilifies evil spirits and harmful forces and commends the rule of prosperity and happiness for the people.

SAKA DAWA
Celebrated in the 4th month of the Lunar Calendar, the Saka Dawa Festival marks Gautam Buddha's achievement of Nirvana.

DUKPA TSE-SHI
The Dukpa Tse-Shi Festival celebrates the preaching of the Four Noble Truths at Sarnath by Buddha. It falls in the 6th month of the Lunar Calendar.

LHABAB DUECHEN
Celebrated in the 9th month of the Monpa Calendar, the Lhabab Duechen Festival signifies the reincarnation of Buddha as Shakyamuni.

GANDEN NGAMCHOE
The day of Ganden Ngamchoe commemorates the death of Tsongkha-pa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect.

NYUKOM YULLOW
Nyukom Festival of the Nyishis is celebrated on 26th February every year to thank the Gods for a bountiful harvest.

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

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

REH
Reh is celebrated by the Idu Mishmis on 1st February. Mithun, buffaloes, pigs and fowl are sacrificed in the names of different gods and deities.

ORIAH
Oriah is an agricultural festival of the Wanchos. Beginning on 16th February, the festivities last for four to six days and are marked with songs and dances.

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