Culture of Arunachal Pradesh encompasses the ethnic regional traditions prevalent in this north-eastern Indian state since several centuries. This portion of the country is reputed for its rich cultural background, which comprises numerous regional festivals, people belonging to different religions, various kinds of dances and people.
People of Arunachal Pradesh
A majority of the local inhabitants residing in Arunachal Pradesh are tribals or belong to Tibeto-Burmese origin. About 16% of the population of this Indian state are believed to be immigrants, along with 30, 000 Chakma and Bangladeshi expatriates, as well as expatriates from other portions of India, particularly from Nagaland and Assam. Arunachal Pradesh offers shelter to about 20 significant tribes and several sub tribes. The regional residents of this area can be broadly classified into three groups. The first category of people consists of the Sherdukpens, Monpas, Khambas and Membas.
West Kameng Districts as well as Tawang are the main regions where these tribes are concentrated, and they follow the religion of Mahayana Buddhism. The regional tribes visit `Gompas` which are Buddhist temples. Mountain sheep and yak are bred by these tribals who are engaged in terrace cultivation. Singpos and Khampti tribals residing in the eastern belts of the state are mainly Buddhists of Hinayana sect. Thongsas, Akas, Adis, Mishmis, Nishings, Apatanis, Mijis and Bangnis represent the second group who worship the Moon God and Sun. They indulge in performing animal sacrifices and wet rice cultivation. Wanchos and Noctes tribes residing in Nagaland comprise the third group.
Music of Arunachal Pradesh
The role of music in Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its culture and is utilized in almost all its social occasions, festivals and public events. The songs are mostly based on various fables which are associated to animals and other living creatures. Historical and mythological accounts inspire the folk songs sung of Pailibos. Marriages and other social or festive occasions are incomplete without `Ja-Jin-Ja`, which is a unique song. Another popular regional song of Arunachal Pradesh is the `Baryi`. The central theme of Baryi song describes the myths and religious folklore of the state. Cymbals and drums are also used to accompany these kind of songs.
Dances of Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, group dances which include a combination of women and men are quite common. The Buddhists perform a few traditional dances, wherein the womenfolk are not permitted to participate. War dance practised by Wanchos, Noctes and Adis and Igo dance performed by Mishmi priests are amongst the other significant dances of this part of the nation. The folk dances here are also very colourful and consist of `Rekham Pada` practised by Nishing tribals, `Hurkani` done by Apatani tribals, `Ponung`, `Popir` and `Pasi Kongki` practised by Adi tribes, `Roppi` and `Buiya` performed by Nishing tribes, `Chalo` practised by Nocte tribals and `Aji Lamu` performed by Monpas.
Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
Various types of beautiful festivals are observed in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and involve socio-cultural festivals, religious festivals as well as agricultural festivals. Some of the most famous festivals celebrated here with great pomp are `Reh` celebrated by Idu Mishmis, `Losar` by Sherdukpens and Monpas, `Nyokum` by Nishis, `Boori-Boot` by Hill Miris, `Si-Donyi` by Tagins, `Solung` observed by the Adis, `Dree` by the Apatanis and `Mopin`.
