Myoko festival is an Indian Tribal Festival of the Apatani tribes of Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh celebrated in March every year. It is one of the most impressive festivals of the Apatani celebrated in spring. They attach importance to this festival as they have this age-old belief that by performing the rituals they can ensure fertility, both in the fields and in its people. Another aspect is the firm conviction that they can promote and strengthen family, clan and inter-village ties. During this festival pig sacrifice, religious procession, traditional dance and songs are the main attraction.

The Myoko festival is celebrated every year in Ziro amongst the 3 communities; namely, ‘Diibo-Hija’, ‘Hari-Bulla’ and ‘’Hong’ of Apatani plateau on rotational basis with traditional gaiety and festivity. The Apatani are animist and worship the sun (Donyi) and moon (Polo).

Celebration of Myoko Festival
Every year during the festival Myoko are placed which are high poles wooden T-shaped with thatch flags on the top near the houses. A few decades ago at this occasion men used to perform daring aerial acrobatics using the long cane rope tied to the tops of the masts.

Sacrifice of livestock like pigs and chicken form a major part of the festival as also the rituals performed by the village ‘Shaman’ or priest. The Shaman is the most important figure of the community, is wearing a traditional haircut and clothes, the eggs symbolize fertility. There is dancing and merry making by the village folk, taking out processions in their traditional dresses are some of the features of the festival.

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