Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav | Celebrating the Rich Textile & Craft Heritage of North East India | December 6 to 8, 2024, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India

Embracing Heritage through Festivals

Losar

Celebrated by the Monpa tribe, Losar is the Tibetan New Year festival, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar. It usually falls in February or March and is a time of feasting, dancing, and religious rituals. Monasteries are adorned with colorful decorations, and traditional Cham dances (masked dances) are performed to ward off evil spirits. The festival lasts for several days and includes activities such as burning incense, offering prayers, and making traditional dishes like Thukpa and Momos.

Ziro Festival of Music

Held in the picturesque Ziro Valley, this four-day outdoor music festival takes place in September and has gained international recognition. The festival brings together independent musicians from across India and abroad, featuring a mix of folk, indie, rock, and fusion music. Set amidst lush green rice fields and misty hills, the festival offers a unique experience of music, nature, and local Apatani culture, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts.

Myoko Festival

Celebrated by the Apatani tribe in March, the Myoko Festival is a unique tribal celebration of friendship, prosperity, and fertility. The festival involves elaborate ceremonies, including animal sacrifices, chanting of prayers, and traditional dance and music performances. It is a time for the Apatani people to renew social bonds and foster communal harmony, with rituals invoking the spirits for prosperity and protection against evil forces.

Torgya Festival

Torgya Festival is a three days long festival observed by the Monpa Tribe. As a part of the festival, the monks wearing costumes perform sacred dances in the courtyard of monasteries. It has high significance as sacred dances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to professional and personal lives. The Festival is celebrated in late January every year in Tawang Monastery of Arunachal Pradesh.

Indigenous Sports of Arunachal Pradesh

Archery

Archery is an ancient sport among the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Nyishi and Adi tribes. Traditionally, archery skills were vital for hunting and self-defense. Today, archery competitions are often held during festivals and social gatherings, keeping the ancient tradition alive.

Dapo

Dapo is a form of traditional wrestling practiced by the Mishmi tribes. This wrestling sport demands great physical strength and technique. It is often performed as part of festivals or celebrations, with participants grappling for dominance while showcasing their skills and power.

Sikpi (Bamboo Fighting)

Bamboo fighting, also known as Sikpi, is an indigenous martial art form practiced by several tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Fighters use bamboo poles as weapons to attack and defend themselves in mock combat. The sport is part of tribal rituals and displays the martial traditions of the people.

Wild Wonders of Arunachal, Nature’s Untamed Beauty

Namdapha National Park

Namdapha is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and is known for its unique combination of four big cat species: tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard. The park's diverse habitats support a wide range of flora and fauna, including several species of primates, birds, and butterflies.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Eaglenest is famous for its rich bird diversity, especially the Bugun liocichla, discovered here in 2006. These destinations are ideal for birdwatching and nature photography.

GI Products textiles & Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh

Apatani Textile

Idu Mishmi Textile

Monpa Textile

Nyshi Textile

Tangsa Textile

Tai Khamti Textile

Handmade Carpet

Galo Textile

Adi textile

Discover Authentic Food in Arunachal Pradesh

Pika Pila

Pika pila is a famous type of a pickle that is mostly made by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a favourite accompaniment of food in Arunachal Pradesh. Pika Pila is a type of a pickle that is made by using bamboo shoot and pork fat with a little addition of King Chilly. It is hot but not very spicy as to make you feel sick.

Lukter

Another delicacy of the Arunachal Pradesh Food is the Lukter. Nothing complicated, Lukter is a combination of cooked dry meat and chilly flakes from the King chilly or Bhut Jolokia. Like the norm goes with Arunachal, this too is just a side dish meant to be eaten with the rice.

Pehak

Pehak is also a side dish delicacy of Arunachal Pradesh Food. Pehak is a type of spicy chutney that is made by the use of fermented soya bean and chilli. The chilly obviously being the King chilly is the main ingredient in this dish as that's what makes it hot and spicy.

Arunachal Pradesh