Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh

The very first festival in our list of festivals celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh is Nyokum. The Nyishi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates this festival. This word Nykom has been derived from the two words Nyok, which means land, and kum, which means collectiveness or togetherness. Hence, the Nyokum festival is celebrated to maintain harmony and prosperity among the people. It is celebrated on 28th February every year with lots of enthusiasm and spirit. During this festival, the local community sings various local songs in their local dialect and performs traditional dance performances. The main ritual of this festival is performed by the high priest, who often offers prayers to the spirits to bring peace and prosperity to every household. 

The Losar Festival in Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated on New Year's Day to celebrate the new year of the Monpa and Sherdukpen tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the significant festivals of Arunachal of the Monpa tribe. This festival usually falls in the last part of February or the early part of March. The festival lasts 8  to 15 days and is celebrated with joy and festivities. Prayers are offered for prosperity and good health of the people. Moreover, people of these local tribes also hoist religious flags atop their homes and visit their relatives and friends. The holy scriptures are read in every home as part of their festival prayers. The local deity is worshipped for the welfare of the society and protects their land from evil eyes. 

The mopin festival is a significant festival of Arunachal Pradesh for the Gallong community of the Adi tribes. Every year, this festival is celebrated on the 5th of April, but the preparations start on the 2nd of April and last till the 8th of April. The festival is celebrated before sowing the paddy, which showcases the rich traditional culture and preservation of the rich heritage of Gallongs. Here, people worship the local deity for the welfare of society and wisdom to get rid of natural calamities and evil spirits for good harvest and health. During this festival, the women wore traditional costumes, elaborate headgear, and multi-coloured beaded ornaments and performed the enchanting “proper dance.” As rice is the main staple of the Gallo people, they apply Ette (rice flour) on each other's faces as their main ritual. 

Boor boot is one of the main festivals of Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated as showing gratitude towards the excellent and successful harvest. This is a festival of the Hill-Miris Tribe and is celebrated in the last week of February for almost three days or more. The festival's main event is a procession of men, women and children dressed in traditional apparel led by the local priest. Mithuns and other animals are sacrificed and disturbed among the villagers. People gather at the Upper and Lower Subansiri District, offer prayers to the spirits, and seek blessings. This festival is about gathering together regardless of caste, gender, creed, and age. 

Solung festival is a socio-religious festival of the Adis and is generally celebrated in September. It is an agricultural festival celebrated after sowing the seeds to seek the blessings of the gods for a good harvest. It is one of the famous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh, as it is celebrated for five days. The festival has three main parts and is celebrated to appease the gods for protection, well-being of every household, and prosperity. Solung festival is the most religious festival of the Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a festival where the people re-establish their timeless beliefs and traditions and renew their ties with spiritualism. During this festival, the villagers prepare enough rice beer and store plenty of rice, meat, and vegetables to entertain the guests. 

Si-Donyi Festival of the Tagins tribe is celebrated on 6th January every year all over Arunachal Pradesh for the welfare and prosperity of the people. The “Si” signifies the earth, and “Donyi” means the sun. Hence, the Tagins believe that all-natural elements, especially the sun, the moon, and the earth, play a vital role in our daily lives. During the festival, the “Etting” rice-powered mix with Apeng (rice beer) is made to paste and served to everyone. During this festival, the boys and girls wear colourful attire with split bamboo headgear (Donger) and perform songs and traditional dances. A community feast is also organised at the end of the festival, making it one of the most popular festivals of Arunachal Pradesh. 

Loku is a vibrant festival celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh by the Nocte tribe. It marks the end of the harvesting season and is a time for relaxation, joy, and community bonding. Loku usually occurs in November, when the crops have been harvested, and people are ready to enjoy the fruits of their labour. The celebration lasts three days, beginning with rituals to honour local deities and ancestors. Villagers gather to perform traditional dances like the Pongtu Kuh while wearing colourful costumes and ornaments. Music, played on drums and other traditional instruments, fills the air. One of the main highlights is the sacrifice of animals, which is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year. The entire community shares a feast, enjoying locally prepared dishes and drinks. 

Dree is a popular agricultural festival celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh by the Apatani tribe. It is a festival held annually on July 5th to pray for a good harvest and the community's well-being. The Apatanis celebrate Dree with various rituals to please their gods, seeking protection from pests, diseases, and natural disasters that could harm their crops. The celebration begins with offering sacrifices, such as animals and locally brewed rice beer, to deities like Tamu, Metii, and Danyi, who are believed to protect the crops and ensure a fruitful harvest. Traditional dances and songs are performed by men and women dressed in colourful traditional attire. Community feasts are another important part of the Dree festival, where people come together to enjoy special dishes made from rice and meat.

Nechi Dau is a vibrant festival celebrated by the Akas tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, India. This festival is held in March to mark the harvest season's end and give thanks for a bountiful yield. It is a joyous occasion filled with traditional rituals, dances, and feasting. The celebration begins with prayers and offerings made to the local deities, seeking blessings for prosperity and the protection of their crops. Traditional dances, known as Aji Lamu, are performed by men and women wearing colourful attire, accompanied by lively music played on drums and bamboo flutes. The rhythmic dances symbolise joy and unity within the community, making it one of the famous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh. 

Tawang Festival is a grand cultural celebration in Arunachal Pradesh, held annually in October. This three-day festival showcases the vibrant culture and traditions of the Monpa tribe and is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Tawang Valley. The festival kicks off with a colourful parade featuring people in traditional attire, followed by performances of Monpa folk dances and songs. One of the main attractions is the Cham dance, where monks wearing elaborate masks and costumes perform sacred dances to drive away evil spirits. Stalls showcasing local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional food add to the festive atmosphere, giving visitors a taste of the local culture. Adventure activities like trekking and paragliding are also part of the celebrations, making it an exciting time for tourists and locals.

Sanken Festival is a joyful celebration observed by the Khamti tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, India, marking the Buddhist New Year. Held in mid-April, it coincides with the arrival of spring and lasts for three days. The festival is about washing away the past year’s misfortunes and welcoming a fresh, positive start. The highlight of the Sanken Festival is the water-splashing ritual, where people gently pour water on each other as a symbol of cleansing, good luck, and blessings. Water is also poured on Buddha statues and in temples as an offering to seek peace and prosperity for the coming year. The festival of Arunachal Pradesh brings communities together through traditional songs and dances. People wear colourful attire, visit monasteries, and enjoy special meals with family and friends.

Ziro Music Festival is one of the most popular music festivals, and it is held annually in the scenic Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. Usually in late September, this four-day outdoor festival brings together music lovers, nature enthusiasts, and artists worldwide. Set against the stunning backdrop of lush green hills and rice fields, the festival features a blend of indie, folk, rock, and electronic music. Artists from India and abroad perform on open-air stages, creating a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere, making it one of the main festivals of Arunachal Pradesh—Festival-goers camp under the stars, creating an immersive experience that blends music with nature. Apart from the music, local food stalls offer traditional dishes, and the event also promotes the culture and crafts of the Apatani tribe. 

Murung Festival is an important cultural celebration of the Apatani tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, held in January. It marks the end of the harvest season and is dedicated to seeking prosperity and protection for the community. The festival begins with rituals and offerings to gods and ancestral spirits to ensure a good harvest and the tribe's well-being. One of the key rituals is the sacrifice of animals, which is believed to bring good fortune. The celebration also includes traditional dances, where men and women in vibrant costumes perform to the rhythm of drums and flutes. Feasting is a big part of Murung, with families and friends gathering to enjoy local dishes made from rice, meat, and millet-based beverages. 

Moh-Mol is a lively agricultural festival celebrated by the Tangsa tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. Held in April, it marks spring's arrival and the sowing season's end. The festival is a time to pray for a good harvest and to thank the deities for their blessings. The celebrations begin with rituals to honour the gods and ancestors, asking for protection and prosperity. Traditional dances and songs are performed by villagers dressed in colourful outfits, bringing everyone together in a joyous celebration. The Jhum dance, a traditional group dance, is one of the main highlights. Feasts are also an important part of Moh-Mol, where families and friends share locally prepared dishes like rice, meat, and traditional rice beer. This festival of Arunachal Pradesh strengthens social bonds and gives the Tangsa people a chance to relax and enjoy. 

Torgya Festival is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly at the Tawang Monastery. It is held annually in January, a three-day event aimed at driving away evil spirits and ensuring the community's peace, prosperity, and good health in the coming year. The festival is marked by colourful rituals and masked dances known as Cham. Monks dressed in elaborate costumes and vibrant masks perform these sacred dances, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The performances are accompanied by traditional music played on drums, horns, and cymbals, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere. Offerings are made to the deities, and butter sculptures are created as part of the rituals. The local community comes together to witness the dances, offer prayers, and seek blessings for the future.

The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is a vibrant celebration held annually in January in Arunachal Pradesh, near the Pangsau Pass on the India-Myanmar border. This festival highlights the region's rich cultural heritage and enthusiastically welcomes the winter season. Visitors and locals gather to enjoy various activities and performances during the festival. Traditional dances and music from different tribes, including the Tangsa, Nocte, and Khamti, fill the air with energy. These performances showcase colourful costumes and unique cultural expressions. The festival also features food stalls where you can taste local delicacies and craft booths displaying traditional handicrafts. Adventure enthusiasts can participate in activities like trekking and camping in the beautiful winter landscape.