Culture of Arunachal Pradesh by Zigmay..

Culture of Arunachal Pradesh

1. C ULTURE O F A RUNACHAL P RADESH Presented by Zigmay Donday

2. Arunachal Pradesh, situated in the Northern Himalayas, is a cultural mosaic of vibrant traditions, ancient rituals, and breathtaking Natural beauty. Home to over 26 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, each with their distinct language, customs and practices. T he state is a treasure trove of cultural diversity. From the colorful festivals like L osar and Solung to the intricate handicrafts, traditional attire, and rich folk music. Arunachal Pradesh’s culture is a reflection of its people’s deep connection with nature and their heritage. I NTRODUCTION

3. T RIBAL C OMMUNITIES O F A RUNACHAL P RADESH A runachal Pradesh is home to diverse tribal communities, with 26 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, including the Adi , Apatani , Nishi, Mishmi, Monpa etc.. These communities have Distinct traditions,customs , and dialects, contributing to the state’s rich cultural landscape.

4. S ome Major Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh: 1. Monpa 2. Adi 3. Apatani 4. Nyishi 5. Tagin

5. 1. Monpa : The Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh are known for their unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist traditions , rich cultural heritage , and artistic skills . They primarily reside in the Tawang and West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, with a smaller population of 45,000 in bordering areas of East Kameng and . Bhutan. The Monpas are skilled in various crafts like wood carving , Thangka painting, carpet making, and Weaving, and are . a lso known for their paper manufacturing from the local sukso tree .

6. 1.1 Monpa Festivals : The Monpa tribe in West Kameng and Tawang celebrates several traditional festivals, with Losar (Tibetan New Year) being the most important. Other significant festivals include Torgya and Choekhor (harvest festival). These festivals are deeply rooted in the Monpa’s Mon-Buddhist culture and involve traditional dances, Prayers, and rituals. One of the most famous d ance is the Aji Lhamu dance, which is also the folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh. The festivals of Monpa tribe are based on the lunar calendar. Panden Lhamo Snow Lion Aji Lhamu Dudo Cham Choekhor

7. Lossar : Losar is the main festival of Monpa , observed during the Tibetan New Year.  According to the lunisolar Tibetan calendar, it is celebrat - ed in February or early March and lasts for 15 days. It is organized by the people of the Mahayana Buddhist Monpa tribe, who dominate the West Kameng and Tawang districts.  It is a time for Spiritual renewel , cultural activities, and family gathering. Torgya : The Torgya festival is a three-day monastic festival celebrated by the Monpa community in Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh, typically in January. It's a significant event held at the Tawang Monastery, honoring Lama Tsongkhapa and seeking protection from natural calamities . The festival features monastic dances, particularly the Chham dance, where monks perform in elaborate costumes and masks . 

8. 1.2 Traditional attire of Monpa : Men’s attire often includes a gho ( robe ), a jacket ( todung or khanjar and a skull cap with trimmings and tessels . The gho and jacket can be maroon or black, while the summer vest ( aliphodung ) is typically maroon. Women’s traditional attire is characterized by the shinka (sleeveless pleated eri silk chemise), which is often a maroon color. They may also wear a todung (jacket) and tengnakema , also in maroon. Accessories include silver rings, earings , and hats. The Monpa tribe’s traditional clothing, particularly in West Kameng , is a vibrant reflection to their culture and often features maroon colors. Men’s Attire: Women’s Attire:

9. 2 . Adi : The Adi people are one of the most populous groups of indigenous peoples in the Indian states of A.P.. They live in the regions of Southern Himalayas which falls within the Indian state of A.P.. The present habitat of the Adi people is heavily influenced by the historic location of the ancient Lhoyu . They are found in the temperate and sub-tropical regions Within the Districts of Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang, Lower Dibang Valley,Shi Yomi , Namsai within A.P.. The term “ Adi ” however, is not to be confused with the Lhoba people , since the Lhoba also includes the Mishmi along with the Adi people. All the ethnic groups recognize themselves as “ Adi ” are believed to be descendents of the Abutani / Abotani . The older term Abor is an exonym from Assamese and its literal meaning is “independent”. The literal meaning of Adi is “hill” or “mountain top”.

10. 2.1 Adi Festivals : The Adi celebrates a number of festivals, in particular, their prime festival i s are Aran , Donggin , Solung , Podi Barbii and Etor . Solung is observed in the first week of September for five days or . more. It is a harvest festival performed after the sowing of seeds and . transplantation, to seek further bumper crops. Ponung songs and dances are performed by women folk during the festivals. On the last day of Solung , throne and indigenous weaponry are displayed along the passage of the houses – a belief that they would protect people from evil spirits (This rituals is called Taktor )

11. Traditional attire of Adi : Men: The Adi men of Arunachal Pradesh traditionally wear attire like shirts, cloaks, jackets, and hats, often with designs specific to their particular tribe. They frequently use natural Materials like goat hair and tree bark for clothing. Headgears, such as those made from Feathers or animal tusks, are also common. Women: The Adi women of Arunachal Pradesh traditionally wear a wrap-around skirt called “Gale” and a sleeveless chemise, often with an embroidered jacket. The Adi tribe also has a jacket called “ Adigalo ” worn by both men and women.

12. 3. Apatani : The Apatani tribe, residing in Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, is known for its unique cultural practices, sustainable farming methods, and strong community bonds. They are particularly renowned for their integrated rice-fish farming system and their distinct ciltural traditions, including festivals like Dree and Myoko . The Apatanis also have a unique form of governance through village councils, which emphasizes community participation and non-punitive approaches to conflict resolution.

13. 3.1 Apatani festivals : The Apatani tribe in Arunachal Pradesh celebrates three main festivals: 1. Dree : This agrarian festival, held from July 2 nd to 5 th , is a major celebration for the Apatani community, focusing on seeking blessings for a good harvest and the prosperity of the community. It involves traditional rituals, cultural performances, dances, and communal feasting. 2. Myoko : This festival, celebrated in March, is dedicated to inter-village friendship and fertility, both of the fields and the people. It involves rituals and feasts to strengthen family and clan ties. 3. Murung : Also known as the Festival of Prosperity, Murung is celebrated in January, with the entire Apatani community participating. It is a time for communal celebrations and feasting.

14. 3.2 Apatani Traditional Attire : The Apatani tribe’s traditional attire is known for vibrant colors and geometric patterns, and locally sourced materials like cotton, wool and silk. Men: The Apatani men of Arunachal Pradesh traditionally wear attire like jig- jiro , a fringe shawl made up of cotton, Jikatari , a richly decorated sleeveless jacket with front cup open. Women : The Adi women of Arunachal Pradesh traditionally wear a Bilang Abi , A 3-vertical band skirt made of cotton yarn, featuring white, red and blue colors, typically worn by older Women during the dree festival. Ji Abi , A lower garment made of white and black cotton yarn, worn by older women during Dhree festivals. Supung Tari , A sleeveless, richly decorated white shirt made of cotton and woll yarn, adorned with fringes at the bottm .

15. 4. Nyishi : The Nyishi tribe is the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, India, with a population around 300,000. They are primarily found in seven districts of Arunachal Pradesh and also inhabit some areas of Assam. The Nyishi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family. Their traditional economy relies on agriculture, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts.

16. Nyishi Festivals : The Nyishi tirbe of Arunachal Pradesh primarily celebrates the Nyokum Yullo festival, an agrarian festival centeres around propitiating benevolent deities and seeking a bountiful harvest. This festival is a time for community gathering, traditional dances, seeking blessings from the Nyokum goddess and other celestial forces. The Nyokum Yullo festival typically starts in late February and lasts for a few days, with rituals and celebrations taking place throughout the durations.

17. Nyishi Traditional Attire : Men : Wokan : A traditional Headgear made of acne and feathers, often worn by men. Choley / Woley : A cotton cloak with red stripes at the bottom, worn by men. Women : The traditional female dress of the Nyishi tribe is called “Par Eij ” which is a wrap around garment worn for auspicious occasions and celebrations. Nyishi women also wear a sleeveless mantle, often striped or plain, which is Tucked over the breasts and envelops the body from the armpits to the calves.

18. 5. Tagin : The Tagin tribe is a significant indigenous group in Arunachal Pradesh, India, belonging to the larger Tani tribe. They are primarily located in the Upper Subansiri district, though they also have settlements in neighboring areas. The Tagins are known for their vibrant cultural traditions, including their unique attire, festivals, and beliefs centered around Donyi -Polo, the worship of the Sun and Moon. They celebrates festivals like Si- Donyi , which involves elaborate rituals and dances.

19. 5.1 Festivals of Tagin Tribe : The most important festival of the Tagin people in Arunachal Pradesh is the Si- Donyi Hilo, also known as Si- Donyi . It is celebrated annually, typically from January 4 th to 6 th , and is dedicated to venerating Si (Earth) and Donyi (Sun), considered divinities. The festival is a way to express gratitude and seek blessing from Si and Donyi for the wellbeing of the community, including peace, harmony, prosperity, and protection from natural calamities. The festival involve traditional rituals, prayers led by the priests ( Nyibu ), traditional dances, and sometimes the sacrifice of a Mithun (a type of cattle). Besides Si- Donyi , the Tagin community aslo observes other festivals, including the Seju festival, which is celebrated by specific sub-clan to a ppease deities for protection from diseases and natural Calamities.

20. 5.2 Tagin Traditional Attire : Men’s Attire : Headgear : Traditional headgears, often made of woven materials or animal hides, is worn by Tagin men. Upper Garment : Men commonly wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt made from handwoven fabrics. The skirts may feature unique patterns or designs. Bottoms : Tagin men often wear a type of wraparound skirt or loincloth, typically made from handwoven fabrics. Women’s Attire : Headgear: Women may wear headgear adorned with beads, shells or Other decorative elements. Upper Garment: Traditional blouses or shirts, intricately woven and adorned With patterns, are worn by Tagin women. Skirts: Women often wear wraparound skirts or petticoats made from handwoven fabrics. The skirts may be decorated with unique patterns.

21. Conclusion: In conclusion , the culture of Arunachal Pradesh is a vibrant and diverse tapestry woven from the traditions, customs, and practices of its numerous indigenous tribes. The state's unique cultural heritage is characterized by its rich folk music, dance, handicrafts , and colorful festivals, which reflect the deep connection of its people with nature and their ancestors . From the majestic mountains to the serene valleys,Arunachal Pradesh's culture is a true reflection of its breathtaking natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its people . As a cultural haven, Arunachal Pradesh offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions and customs of its people, making it a truly special place to explore and experience.

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