Arunachal Pradesh

¶ Introduction

Arunachal Pradesh, a serene land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India. The land stretches from the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas to their peaks, invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable people, with their glorious heritage of arts and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect their ancient faith in the inexorable . Arunachal is one of the most sparsely populated states of India, bordered by China, Bhutan and Myanmar. There are five major rivers - Kameng, Subansiri, Siang (later the Brahmaputra in Assam), Lohit and Tirap and the mountain ranges follow the river systems. The state is the home of the complex mix of various communities, who are friendly, colourful and simple people. The rich flora ranges from the Alpine to the subtropical, from rhododendrons to orchids. Its verdant forests, tumultuous streams, condescending mountains and snow clad peaks make it a unique destination.

The Land has got a mythological importance and the widely scattered archeological remains at different places bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. The arts and colourful festivals are carried through ages. The strong faith on age old traditional beliefs and power of nature is still evident.

Arunachal Pradesh is considered to be the Nature 's treasure house and home to orchids, known for their elegantly beautiful blooms, from one of the leading region with more than six hundred species, growing in different elevations and climatic conditions throughout the state.

The age old monasteries and gumphas, sacred lakes, ruins of forts & palaces, beautiful and ever smiling people with graceful hospitality will greet you, throughout your sojourn in the state.

¶ Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

If one is a Tribal enthusiast then visiting the tribal infested Arunachal will give him lots of pleasure. Arunachal is the home of more than 26 major and indigenous tribes, primary migrants from Tibet and Burma, who has made the entire state their homeland. The presence of such a number of tribal populations from the different ethnicity has made the state a treasure trove of ethnic diversity and ancient traditions. The tribes settled in the western fringe of the state include, the Monpas and Sherdukpens. Monpas are of Mongolian Origin and has immigrated from Bhutan and Tibet. Monpas are further divided into four sub-tribes. All these tribes are followers of Mahayana Buddhism. Culturally the Membas and Khambas from the Siang valley in north eastern Arunachal are same. The Khamtis, Singphos and Tangsas from the Lohit and Tirap region has migrated from Thailand and Burma are the followers of the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Mishis, Mishmis, Tagin, Miris, Nyishis and Mijis are still the followers of traditional tribal forms of animistic worship. The other tribes are Nocte and Wangchos, living adjacent to Nagaland in the Tirap district.

Traditionally the Monpas are more advanced than the other tribes in Arunachal Pradesh; they are good weavers, agriculturist and traders. Sherdukpens are more into dance and music and basically agriculturist. Apart from these the other tribes are into agriculture and hunting.

¶ Culture of Arunachal Pradesh

The people of Arunachal Pradesh have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship and sense of aesthetics manifested through a variety of essential part of the socio-cultural life of the people and these festivals are usually connected with agriculture to thank god or to pray for good harvest. Some of the important festivals are Mopin and Solung of the Adis, Lossar of the Monpas & Sherdukpens, Boori-Boot of the Hill Miris, Dree of the Apatanis, Sidonyi of Tagin, Nyokum of Nishis and Reh of Idu Mishmis. During the festival time new games like Lai and Thipi can be witnessed.

¶ Places to See

Tawang
Tawang, the land of the Monpa and Sherdukpen tribes with centuries-old monastery, Dragon gates, hundred pristine lakes and numerous waterfalls, situated high up in the misty-eyed Eastern Himalaya.

Bomdila
The headquarters of West Kameng district is situated at a height of 2,530 metres. Offers spectacular panoramic views of Himalayan landscapes and snow clad mountains.

Itanagar
A modern settlement built in the vicinity of the ruins of a medieval capital. The capital of Arunachal Pradesh, it is a beautiful historic city, also known as 'the Land of the Dawnlit Mountains'.

Ziro
A picturesque valley of the Apatani plateau to the north of Itanagar. The valley is surrounded pine covered mountains. The place is the home of Apatani tribes.

Daporijo
Daporijo is a large village town situated at the confluence of the Sippi and Subansiri rivers. It is the District Headquarters of Upper Subansiri district and is situated on the right bank of River Subansiri.

Along
On way to Along one can see the historical Malinithan temple. The Legendary Akashi Ganga, a point from which one gets an unusual over view of the Bhramhaputra and its tributaries.

Pasighat
Headquarters of East Siang district, situated on the right bank of river Siang. Siang is the name of river Bhramhaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.
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¶ Wildlife Travel

The virgin land of Arunachal Pradesh is rich in flora and fauna. The topography of the state has enabled in such a wonderful set of greenery in the entire state. Arunachal thus boosts several wild life parks.
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