Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Fairs and Festivals are integral part of any cultural race. Arunachal Pradesh, the Himalayan state celebrates its festival too, pertaining to the occupation of the local tribal. Agriculture being the occupation of the land has festivals all linked to it. It is noted that all civilization be it the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Chinese have festivals rooted in agriculture and worship of the nature God. The people of Arunachal Pradesh thank nature God for its bountiful benevolence by offering prayers. All the year round, Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh are celebrated by one tribe or the other.

Some important festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyatsowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Moi, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu. Animal sacrifices are found to be a common ritual of the festivals. Generally performed by the priest of the tribe assisted by the male members it is appeasing the Gods for the bounties they have bestowed on the community. Freudian analysis of the animal sacrifice leads to the interesting discovery of the primitive man's dealing with the problem of incest. Animal totem of each tribe symbolizing the father head was sacrificed by the sons and couples under the same totem community were forbidden to marry each

The Losar Festival

The losar festival is a five-day festival. The tribal community, the Monpas celebrates Losar that is their new year. On the eve of their new year the Monpas clean their homes and get rid of the dirt and discard old things. The old is not auspicious and symbolizes ill health. All five days of festivities people hoist colorful religious flags on the top of their houses, offer prayers for prosperity, read holy Buddhist scriptures, light butter lamps and visit friends and relatives.

The Reh Festival

The Idu Mishmis celebrate the six-day Reh festival. It is appeasing the Gods for peace and prosperity. Amidst great fanfare the festival ends but the star attraction of the festival is the dance performed by the priest.

The Ojiyale Festival

During March - April, the wanchos celebrate their popular festival, Ojiyale. It is a six to twelve day festival infested with prayers, and celebrations like songs and dances. Typical of the tribal celebration rice beer is offered in bamboo tubes to guests as mark of goodwill. The Village chief is also offered pigskin as a mark of respect.

The Tamladu Festival

An important festival of the Digaru Mishis tribe, Tamladu is celebrated by offering prayers to the God of the Earth and Water. It is a festival where people pray the Gods to protect them from natural calamities and at the same time pray them for good harvest. Lord Jebmalu is worshiped for good crops, domestic animals, prosperity and welfare of people.

The Khan festival

Another important festival of the region, the Khan festival, calls for the interference of a priest who religiously ties a piece of wool around the neck of the devotees. This is a ritual that also denotes good luck and prosperity. The enchanted tread is believed to bring good luck.

The Sanken festival

People of Himachal Pradesh celebrate Sanken festival heralding the advent of a New Year by ceremoniously bathing the images of Lord Budhha. Merrymaking a big part of the festivity people sprinkle water on each other too.

The Mopin Festival

Mopin is another festival of Arunachal Pradesh where the tribal smear each other with rice powder. It is a five-day festival. People pray for wealth, health, prosperity and universal happiness.

The Mol Festival

A three-day Mol festival of the Tangsas is celebrated to welcome the new year.

Arunachal Pradesh, the land which speaks of abundant natural beauty; snow covered peaks, blooming orchids on the mountain slopes, verdant valleys and flowing rivers. Log on to northeastindiatravel.com to know about the enchanting Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh