In the backdrop of the ‘Look East Policy’ and the expectation of re-opening of border trade, in 2007, the then Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Late Setong Sena, ideated the concept of the Pangsau Pass Festival to enhance the cross-culture relations and boost the economy of the region, a simple idea to resurrect the ebbed period of the bucolic tribes, which was lost somewhere in search of contemporary comforts. He materialized and shaped his idea in to ground reality with people like Arif Siddiqui, a hobby photographer, who was single handedly showcasing the culture and beauty of the state to the world.
Hence the first Pangsau Pass Festival came in to light as a Pangsau Pass Winter Festival in 2007. Thankfully, years later, the petite perception now offers international exposure to not one tribe but most of the tribes of Arunachal, including the neighboring nation, Myanmar and now known as Pangsau Pass International Festival. Since the demise of Mr. Sena the responsibility is taken over by the young and popular leader Mr. Laisam Simai, and legacy is flourishing in his brilliant and innovative hands.
The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is more than a celebration of ethnicity and culture; it is a heartfelt tribute to the ancient bonds between the people on either side of the Indo-Myanmar border—a reminder of an enduring connection from times past. It also serves as a solemn homage to the war heroes who rest here, far from their native lands, in the nearby World War II cemetery. With contagious smiles, curious gazes, warm welcomes, and a friendliness that embraces every visitor, this place retains a timeless spirit. It calls to travelers, inviting them to experience a land where history and hospitality blend seamlessly, offering an encounter both humbling and unforgettable.
PPWF 2007
