Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its distinct culture, rich heritage and natural sightseeing. Fairs and Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh is the best way to understand the rich culture and tradition of the entire state. By taking a glimpse of all these festivals, you will learn about the lifestyle of tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Further, one can also get a chance to visit various dance performances, traditional music show, handicraft and handloom articles from the different part of the state. Besides that, each fair and festivals in Arunachal Pradesh has its own significance and motive. So if you want to collect beautiful memories of Arunachal Pradesh culture, then be a part of all the below-mention feast and fairs.
1- Losar Festival
Celebrated in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Losar Festivals is a new year festival. It is one of the most important festivals of Tawang district which is celebrated by the Monpa tribe. Further, it is an important centre for Buddhist learning as it has the 2nd largest monastery in the World known as Tawang Monastery. It is a 15 days long festival start with cleaning the houses and then each house hoisted by religious flags. On the occasion of this festival, the whole district lightens up with beautiful light that is truly magnificent to watch. Apart from that, it is a great time to relish the taste of local drinks and savour of traditional dishes. So it is one of the most famous festivals in Arunachal Pradesh that you have to witness at least once.
- Where: Across Tawang area
- Losar Festivals Dates: 03 March 2023
2- Ziro Festival of Music
Ziro Festival of music hosted by Apatani tribe of the Ziro valley and it is one of the biggest and most happening festivals in Arunachal Pradesh. It is 4 days long festival that attract all music lover from all over the north-eastern region. You can witness many music performances by international and domestic artists along with some Folk acts and dance performances. As the people gather here from all over the state, so one can also get a chance to know the different culture of the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh. Further, the venue of this festival is truly awesome as it is surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountains all around. Founded in the year 2012 by Bobby Hano and Menwhopause guitarist, Anup Kutty, it still remains in the top of the list of Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Where: Across Ziro valley
- Ziro Festival Dates for 2023: Yet to be announced
3- Pangsau Pass Winter Festival
Pangsau-Pass-Winter-Festival is another famous event in the list of festivals and Fairs in Arunachal Pradesh. The famous festival celebrated in Nampong town of Changlang district, since the year 2007. The modern-day winter festival takes place in the month of January for 3 days. During these three days, you can witness the various folk dance performances by enjoying folk songs. Further, the festival also has an exhibition of handicraft and handloom articles from various parts of the State. One can also take the glimpse of Arunachal Pradesh rich culture and tradition by witness this feast.
- Where: Across Nampong area
- Pangsau Pass Winter Festival Dates for 2023: January month
4- Siang River Festival
Dedicated to communal harmony of Arunachal Pradesh, Siang River Festival celebrated with lots of joy and fun in the month of December every year. Earlier the festival held in Tezu and Pasighat district but since the year 2005, it is celebrated in other places like Tuting, Yingkiong as well as in Pasighat. The main motive behind this festival to promote eco-tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. Further, many adventure and fun activities take place here during festivals days like elephant race, traditional boat race, River rafting, Hot air balloon, Folk dances, Cultural Shows and paragliding. An exhibition of handloom and handicrafts items also set up here where you can buy some best quality of products. Moreover, it is one of the most important festivals in Arunachal Pradesh that every tourist has to visit at least once.
- Where: Tezu, Pasighat, Tuting & Yingkiong area
- Siang River Festival Dates for 2023: December month
5- Sangken Festival
Being one of the most popular religious festivals in Arunachal Pradesh, Sangken festival celebrated all over the state with lots of faith and love. The three days long festival celebrated every year in the month of April. The celebration begins with by giving a bath to Lord Buddha image and after that local people distribute sweets and gifts to each other. Further, the people offered prayers to Lord Buddha by beating of drums and gongs. During the festival days, people sprinkle clean water on each other, which is a symbol of peace and purity. The festival is mainly celebrated by the Khampti tribe of Lohit district, which are the oldest tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. So it is a great event in Arunachal Pradesh to witness various customs and ethnicity of different tribes.
- Where: Across Lohit area
- Sangken Festival Dates for 2023: 13 April to 15 April
6- Solung Festival
It is an agriculture festival which is celebrated by the Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh in the month of monsoon season (July/August). The 10 days long festival celebrated in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh including East-West Siang district and Lower-Upper Dibang Valley district. On the occasion of this event, people present gifts of meat and Apong (rice beer) to their relatives and neighbors. Further, the most beautiful thing about this festival is that it has a different celebration each day. You can also take a glimpse of the unique culture and lifestyle of Adi tribes. So one of the major and unique festivals in Arunachal Pradesh which has its own importance and significance.
- Where: Across East-West Siang & Dibang Valley area
- Solung Festival Dates for 2023: TBA
7- Dree Festival
If you are searching for the most beautiful festivals in Arunachal Pradesh, then Dree Festival will not disappoint you at any instant. This festival is a crucial part of the Apatani tribe of Lower Subansiri district and celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Dedicated to the main deities of Tamu, Metii, Danyi and Harniang, the festival has high religious value among all local people. During the festival days, people offer a sacrifice of fowls, eggs and animals to the Gods. A statue of local beer called Apong is prepared by each house which is offered to the main deity on the last day of the festival.
- Where: Lower Subansiri district area
- Dree Festival Dates for 2023: 4th and 5th July
So these are the most popular cultural festivals and fairs in Arunachal Pradesh that gives you a beautiful insight of rich culture and tradition of the entire state. These fairs and festivals show the colourful side of this beautiful state. If you are planning to visit Arunachal Pradesh in next future then ask your tour operator to add these festivals in your tour package.
