Culture of Arunachal Pradesh

The culture of a land is determined by its people, their language, beliefs, the festivals they celebrate, the religion they follow, their occupation, the art and crafts and their songs and dances. Arunachal Pradesh, the State that is dominated by various ethnic tribes with a culture that has many unique features. Culture of Arunachal Pradesh is an interesting subject of study for those interested in understanding the various ethnic tribes of India.

Major Tribes

There 20 Major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh that make the major bulk of the its population contribute to the culture of the land. The Adis have two subdivisions under which there are a number of sub-tribes. The Adis are an organized tribe with a democratic system of governance. Ponung is their traditional dance which famous through out the state. The Adi women are weavers. The Apatanis are agriculturists, practice both wet and terrace cultivation and inhabit the valley around Ziro-the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. Men tattoo their faces and tie their hair in topknots. Older women too tattoo their faces and wear nose plugs. Wanchos wear decorated headgears and strings of beads on the necks, arms, legs and ears. On the north of the Wanchos, the Noctes live who are generally Vaishnavites. The Tangsas are a common group for sub groups, Lungchang, Moklong, Yugli, Lungri, Have, Moshong, Rundra, Takhak, Ponthi and Longphi belonging to the indo-Myanmar front. The Singphos are an athletic race living on the banks of the Siang and the Noa Dihing rivers. They have pronounced Mongolian features and are good blacksmiths whrile the women folks are excellent weavers. The Khamptis living in the south of the Lohit districts are good agriculturalists and craftsmen. The Idus, Mijus or Kamans, Digaru or Taraon make up the Mishmis. The Idus are distinguished by the unique manner they tie their hair. The Mijis keep their hair long and wear colorful costumes. Their main occupation is agriculture.

Social Structure

The tribals follow a highly organized and systematic system of governance. Matters are taken up and solved by the community head in a highly democratic way. ‘Kebang’, the Village Punchayat of the Adi Village is a judicio-administrative body. It resolves issues pertaining to the village or an individual.

Festivals

Festivals are an integral part of Arunachal Pradesh. The various ethnic tribes that form the major population of Arunachal Pradesh are agriculturists. Festivals and the various rituals performed by the priests are a way to show their allegiance to the nature Gods for the bounties that they bestow on them by way of good harvest. The festivals that are very important aspect of socio-cultural life of the people are a way to enjoy eat, drink, socialize and relax. Festivals are held all the year round in Arunachal Pradesh.

Dances

Songs and Dances reflect the culture of the land. Closely connected with festivals, dances are forms of entertainment where tribals move in groups to the rhythmic tunes of the songs. Usually a part of the celebrations as well as appeasing the nature Gods, it has been seen that dance dramas performed on the podium in chorus is a part of important civilizations. The Buddhists perform highly stylized religious dance dramas while the Noctes and Wanchos perform martial steps. Women and men both partake in the dance performances. There are, however, some dances such as Igu dance of the Mishmi priests, war dances of the Adis, Noctes and Wanchos, ritualistic dance of the Buddhist tribes, where only the male members of the clan perform. Some of the popular folk dances accompanied by folk songs are the Aji Lamu of the Monpa tribe, Popir and Ponung of the Adi tribe, Lion and Peacock dances of the Monpa tribe. During the Torgya festival, the Monpas perform monastic dances. Dances of Arunachal Pradesh have evolved into an art form. The ‘Phoning’ dance of Adis is performed buy young girls. Dances are generally performed in groups in colorful costumes.

Art and Craft

The ethnic land Arunachal Pradesh has beautiful handicrafts to its credit. Weaving, pottery, painting, mental works, basket making, woodcarving are some of the occupations of the tribals. They form the major hulk of the art and crafts of Arunachal Pradesh. The Buddhist tribes make beautiful masks and they stage mask dances too. The Monpas weave beautiful carpets; paint wooden bowls and silver articles The Adis, Apantanis and Hill Miris make beautiful cane and bamboo articles. Tourists look for the shawls and jackets woven by the Apantanis, coat and shawls of Mishmi’s and shoulder bags of Adis.

The Wanchos are known for wood carving and weaving beautiful bags. Ivory, beads, boar tusks, goat hair, galss and other stone are the materials used to make various articles for decoration.

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