Arunachal Pradesh
God's Masterpiece on Nature's Own Canvass
Behold the untouched splendor of Arunachal Pradesh, where the towering, snow-capped mountains stand as guardians of ancient lands, and the air hums with the heartbeat of vibrant tribal cultures. Here, mist drapes over emerald valleys, and rivers carve paths through hidden sanctuaries, weaving the timeless stories of a people who dance with the earth and sing to the sky.
The spectacular landscapes dominated by the smiling tribes and decorated with multifarious culture, mesmerizing crafts and mouth-watering cuisines, this hidden Shangri-la of India is on the process of gradual discovery.
Places
The landscape unfolds like a sacred tapestry, adorned with glistening lakes nestled in silence, while snow-capped mountains rise like sentinels, adding mystery to the horizon.
Revered as the Land of Golden Pagodas, it is a place where culture and heritage flourish amidst serene landscapes. The district is home to the formidable Khampti and Singpho tribes—warrior clans whose valour once struck fear into the heart of the British.
Ziro, the mystical heartland of the Apatani people, is a realm where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Known not only for its ancient customs, where elder women wear intricate facial tattoos symbolizing heritage and resilience, Ziro also pulses with a vibrant spirit during the annual Ziro Music Festival.
Offers a serene escape with its untouched beauty and rich culture. Divided into Upper and Lower Dibang, it is home to the ldu Mishmi tribe, known for their deep connection with nature. The valley is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary housing tigers, leopards, and red pandas. Mehao Lake, nestled in dense forests, is a tranquil spot for nature lovers.
A sublime serenity shall envelop your soul, as dawn’s gentle rays caress the mist-veiled hills, whispering of purity and peace. In these lovely valleys, where rivers murmur their timeless songs, the air fills with a melody only nature can compose. The sun breaks through the emerald canopy, casting its golden light over the impenetrable foliage, revealing Nature's best-kept secrets in this hidden land of ancient tribes. Here, every leaf, every breath, feels like a gift—a moment frozen in wonder, untouched, and eternally sacred.
The place is without doubt a photographer’s paradise mostly because of the great seasonal variety in landscapes. In Mechukha you will encounter breath-taking vistas, unspoiled countryside, and endless amount of waterfalls, impressive landscapes and dramatic weather.
Nestled between two rolling hills, Itanagar is a rapidly flourishing city, serving as the bustling hub for various business enterprises and groups. Acknowledged and indexed in the esteemed Smart City list by the Central Government, this urban center experiences annual prolonged monsoon rains, making the period from November to March the ideal time for a visit.
Nestled gracefully along the scenic shorelines of the Siang River, Pasighat is often referred to as the Gateway to Arunachal Pradesh or the gateway to serenity. This charming locale consistently ranks high on the wish list of innumerable nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from across the nation.
While Jairampur boasts a breathtaking environment, it also holds historical significance. The renowned Stilwell Road, passing through Jairampur and Nampong, was completed in October 1944, though World War II had already concluded. Despite this, the road remains a testament to the sacrifices made by the Allied forces during its construction.
Festivals
Nyokum being a pre-harvest festival is celebrated for harvest prosperity, communal harmony, community integrations and global peace as well it also marks the advent of the Nyishi New Year.
The ‘Solung’ is the main socio-religious festival of ‘Adis’ community. Generally, ‘Solung’ is celebrated in the mid-part of the year in the months of August/September corresponding to the Adi months of ‘Tauno’ and ‘Yio’ respectively.
During the Mopin festival, the goddess of welfare, peace, wealth, prosperity and wisdom is propitiated. The festival generally starts from the first week of April, before the paddy plantation, and lasts for five days.
The Dree Festival is an agricultural festival and known to be a biggest tribal carnival in the state. This festival includes a number of grand rituals and traditions. Dree Festival signifies happiness, wealth and prosperity
Arunachal Pradesh being the home for 26 diverse tribes speaking different local dialects and each tribe celebrating its own festivals throughout the year makes this state more colorful and exciting. The most amazing thing is that each tribe have a different culture and tradition. No festival is alike the other’s tribe festivals. Most of the festivals are related to pre-harvest or post- harvest celebration. It is celebrated for bumper harvest and happiness within the community. The myriad of colourful tribes enhances the mystery and beautify the custom and cultures.
Oriah is the most important of all the festivals celebrated by the Wancho tribe, earlier known as head hunters. The Oriah is usually celebrated at the beginning of the spring season and it lasts for the whole season in the Wancho area.
Chalo Loku stands out as the most vibrant and widely celebrated festival. Similar to many tribal festivals, it holds agricultural significance. It goes without saying that, like any other festival, Chalo Loku promotes love, unity, and brotherhood.
During the Mopin festival, the goddess of welfare, peace, wealth, prosperity and wisdom is propitiated. The festival generally starts from the first week of April, before the paddy plantation, and lasts for five days.
The Reh festival transforms into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and traditional designs adorning the festive attire. The celebration seamlessly intertwines with the breathtaking natural beauty that envelops the entire region.
Throughout the festival, Golden Pagoda comes alive with a sequence of culturally rich and entertaining programs and activities. The Tai youth orchestrate meticulously planned, theme-based events, adding vibrancy to the celebrations.
The Tamla-Du is the socio-religious festival of the Kaman (Miju) and Tawran (Digaru) Mishmi celebrated in the month of February during the spring season.
Singpho people dance in a warrior like attire in a circle around the sacred pillars of Shadung. Shadung pillars represent male and feminine genders. Below these pillars there is a tying beam having one end in the shape of the head of a Hornbill and the other end is a tail.
The Aka people lives in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh and known for their beautiful and colorful customs. They celebrate an annual festival called Nyethrii-Dow.
About Arif Siddiqui
Arif Siddiqui, is a highway engineer by profession and also a nature photographer & social activist by passion. Since almost 0ne and half decade, his camera has been capturing the true essence of Arunachal Pradesh and its inhabitant. He is the first hobby photographer who single handedly brought Arunachal in the map of world tourism by exposing its great cultural diversity to the world. His mindboggling photographs adorns the pages of many prestigious national and international travel journals, several Coffee Table books, educational books. Almost all-important government establishments in Arunachal and many Indian embassies abroad have his photographs reciting the tale of incredible Arunachal Pradesh.
For his outstanding contribution for the development of local communities, promotion of eco-tourism, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has honored the civilian award of the state – a Silver Medal in 2008.
He also earned appreciation form Governor of Arunachal in 2012, a special jury award from Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal for promoting the State in 2013.
His website www.amazingarunachal.com which is a volunteer effort to promote tourism in Arunachal has won the prestigious e-North east award in 2013. He also won National Himalayan Photographic Award in 2012 apart from other awards in Photography.
He has been honored with Prestigious “Wipro-NFS” Sparrow Award in 2015 for Conserving flora and fauna of Arunachal Pradesh through photography & education. He is often called “Tourism Ambassador” of Arunachal Pradesh.