The first-ever Sunrise Festival began on Monday in Dong, Arunachal Pradesh, with sacred Meyor rituals invoking the spirits of the forest and mountains and offering prayers to the deities.
Dong, India’s easternmost village in Arunachal Pradesh, is hosting the first Sunrise Festival, an adventure-based cultural and tourism celebration.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the festival in Dong by offering prayers to the deities.
Taking to X, Khandu said, “Dong, the Sunrise Festival begins with sacred Meyor rituals, invoking the spirits of the forest and mountains and offering prayers to the deities.”
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also accompanied Khandu at the festival, which is being organised for the first time in the state.
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Dong, a village in the Dong Valley of Anjaw district, is the first habitation where the initial rays of the sun strike Indian soil each day.
The five-day festival will feature diverse tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, including the Mishmi, Singhpho, Galo, Wancho, Nocte, Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, and Monpa, who will present their unique cultures and traditions.
The main objective of the festival is to create an experience-driven, community-led destination event guided by India’s first sunrise.
“Our main aim is to promote tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, which is naturally rich. Through this festival, people will come to know about the rich cultural legacy, heritage, traditions, and belief systems of the Meyor or Zakhring people, also known as the Sunrise People of the Dong Valley, whose lives are deeply rooted in the worship of the sun and nurtured by the pristine land,” said an organiser.
He added, “This is our first time organising such a festival, and we are happy to do so as it will give people around the globe a clearer idea of how the people of Arunachal Pradesh are distinct. It is home to the indigenous Meyor tribe, known for their simplicity and deep connection with nature.”
Dong village, located in the remote Anjaw district at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, holds immense geographical, cultural, and strategic importance.
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