The festivals of Tirap district reflect the distinct cultural and ethnic identity of the people. The state of Arunachal Pradesh is the land of charming and captivating natural beauty which is inhabited by a number of tribes. The festivals of the different tribal people residing in this are considered as one of the main attractions for the tourists. Interestingly, the travellers will be really amazed at the sight of the various colourful cultural festivals that are celebrated separately by each of the tribal groups of Tirap district. In Arunachal Pradesh, the tribal folks celebrate a number of festivals. They celebrate these festivals to pacify the malevolent and benevolent deities who would protect their crops and yield good harvest. The main festivals of the three major tribes, which are Nocte tribe, Wancho tribe and Tutsa tribe, celebrated in Tirap district are:
Festivals of Nocte Tribe
The major festival of Nocte tribe is the Loku festival. Loku literally means to drive out the old season of the year. It is celebrated during the month of July or August. However, in some villages it is celebrated during the month of October or November. The date of the festival is fixed after calculating the digits of the waxing moon. The date is fixed by the elders of the community. Every Nocte village is echoed by the declaration of the date for celebration of Loku. This festival is celebrated with immense zeal and fervour.
Festival of Tutsa Tribe
The people belonging to the Tutsa tribal community mainly celebrate two festivals and these are Pongtu Kuh festival and Ronghun Kun. These celebrations are considered as an integral part of the socio cultural life of the Tutsa tribe. They are celebrated usually in April every year for obtaining the blessings for proper Jhoom cultivation. The elders of the village fix the date of the celebration. People celebrate them for continuous ten days immediately after collection of all the festival materials.
Festival of Wancho Tribe
Ojiyele Festival is regarded as the major festival of the Wancho tribe residing in the Tirap district. People celebrate this festival generally in the months of March and April every year. According to the calendar of the Wanchos they celebrate the Ojiyele festival during the month of Dinglik Let (March) and Saniyak Let (April). The festival date fixed by the village chief. However, the celebration date differs from one village to another.
These festivals of Tirap district have their own charm and truly replicate the indigenous culture of the people.
