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Festivals
form an essential aspect of the socio-cultural life of the people
of the state. As a matter of fact, festivals are the mirror
of the people's culture. Since agricultureis the mainstay of
the population, naturally the festivals celebrated by the people
are closely connected with their occupation. Such festivals
are celebrated at a larger scale for thanking the gods for their
providence and for saying a prayer for a bumper crop. Throughout
the year festivals are celebrated by one or the other tribe.
Some of the important festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori
Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyatsowai, Loku, Longte Yullo,
Moi, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu.
 Animal
sacrifices are a common ritual in most of the festivals, particularly
in the Non-Bodic tribes. The festivals have been firmly blended
with the lifestyle of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. For some
communities like the Mijis these are the occasions to bring
all people together who might otherwise be scattered in far
flung villages. This serves as a reminder of the richness of
their cultural heritage.
The
spring time festivals are celebrated during the period from
January to April by the different groups. In the celebrations
of these festivals, the religious rites and the sacrifices are
generally performed by their priests assisted by some select
male members.
 The
Losar Festival
The
losar festival of the Monpas, which is their new year, is celebrated
for five days. On the eve of the festival people clean out their
homes to usher in the new year and discard the old. The dirt
and grit of the old year is considered to symbolize ill health.
During the five days of festivities prayers are offered for
prosperity and good health, the festivities include the hoisting
of religious flags atop their homes; visits to the homes of
friends and relatives; holy Buddhist scriptures are read in
every home and butter lamps are lit in houses and the campuses.
The
Reh Festival
Appeasement
of the deities who control the peace and prosperity of the people
is through behind the six day celebrations of the Reh festival,
essentially associated with the Idu Mishmis. The festival comes
to an end with great fanfare and the priest dance performed
during the six days is its special attraction.
The
Ojiyale Festival
The
wanchos celebrate their most popular festival, Ojiyale during
March - April, for a period of six to 12 days interspersed with
prayer, songs and dance. Villagers exchange bamboo tubes of
rice beer as a mark of greeting and goodwill. Pigs' skin is
offered to the village chief as a mark of respect.
The
Tamladu Festival
Another
important festival is Tamladu, essentially celebrated by the
Digaru Mishis tribe. During the festival, prayers are offered
to the god of the earth and the god of the waters for protection
against natural calamities. The supreme - Lord Jebmalu, is worshipped
for the prosperity and welfare of human being, the standing
crops and domestic animals.
The
Khan festival
Another
is the Khan festival, an occasion for the reunion of the people.
Besides the usual festivities, the significance of the festival
lies in the ceremony whereby the priest ties a piece of wool
around everybody's neck. The belief is that the enchanted
thread will bring good luck to each of them.
The
Sanken festival
It
is an occasion to bathe the images of Lord Buddha ceremoniously.
This also heralds the new year and people sprinkle water on
each other a sign of merriment.
The
Mopin Festival
One
of the groups celebrate Mopin for wealth and prosperity as
also good health and universal happiness. Smearing of rice
powder on each others faces marks the beginning of the festival
which is celebrated for five days.
The
Mol Festival
The
Mol festival of the Tangsas is celebrated for three days to
welcome the new year.
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