Tirap district of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is situated in its south-eastern part. It is the second smallest district of the state and this district shares a border with the neighbouring states of Nagaland and Assam and also with Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Tirap district also shares an international border with the neighbouring country Myanmar. This district derives its name from the river Tirap which originates in the district and flows through Changlang district. The entire area of this smallest and beautiful district is covered with high hills and deep valleys. Khonsa is the district headquarters.

History of Tirap District
Tirap district has been occupied by ancestors of its native tribes. Like for instance, Nocte Tribe came to settle in this district at the time of sovereignty of the Ahoms. Further, the Japanese troops also attacked and took control over the area for some time in the year 1945. It continued until the end of the Japanese empire. After their collapse Tirap district has been the main target for the Naga rebel group that particularly aims to transform the local tribal people into Christianity. They also aimed at the formation of the Greater Nagaland, using the military force.

Geography of Tirap District
Tirap District lies between the latitudes 26 degrees 38 minutes North and 27 degrees 47minutes North and the longitudes 96 degrees 16 minutes East and 95 degrees 40 minutes East. Tirap district is covered by Myanmar towards south, by Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh towards the East, by Dibrugarh of Assam in the North and by Sibasagar of Assam and Mon of Nagaland towards the West. It covers a total area of 2362 sq. km. However, Tirap district has the highest density of population of 42 persons per square kilometre in the state. Moreover, a large portion of Tirap district includes the Patkoi Hills.

People of Tirap District
The most populated tribe of Tirap district is the Nocte tribe and they occupy majority of the area of this district. Other tribes of the district include Naga related Konyak and Wancho tribe. People belonging to these tribal groups traditionally are the followers of Hinduism. However, a considerable minority of Christians are also found among the Nocte and Konyak people. Some other smaller communities like Tutsa, Tangsa and Singpho are also found in this district. Several festivals like Loku, Ojiyele and the Pongtu festival are celebrated with enthusiasm and in complete flair. Interestingly, Durga Puja is also celebrated along with these festivals in Tirap district. People here are mostly engaged in agricultural activities.

Thus, Tirap district that is popularly known as one of the smallest districts of the state of Arunachal Pradesh attracts the people through its vibrant folk-culture of the native tribal groups.