With 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes practicing Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, Donyi-Polo animism, and Theravada Buddhism, Arunachal Pradesh hosts vibrant cultural and harvest festivals year-round.
Torgya Festival (Tawang Monastery)
January (Lunar Calendar)
A 3-day sacred monastic festival held in the courtyard of the 17th-century Tawang Monastery. Monks perform mesmerizing Cham masked dances in elaborate silk robes to ward off malevolent spirits and usher in peace.
Losar (Monpa New Year)
February / March
The Monpa community's New Year celebration in Tawang and West Kameng, lasting up to 15 days with sacred prayers, butter lamp offerings, masked dances, and community feasting.
Ziro Festival of Music
Late September / Early October
An internationally celebrated outdoor independent music and arts festival set against the emerald rice paddies of Ziro Valley, showcasing indie artists from India and abroad alongside Apatani culture.
Myoko Festival (Apatani)
March (10-Day Festival)
The sacred spring friendship and alliance festival of the Apatani tribe in Ziro Valley, celebrated with traditional rituals, shamans chanting, pig sacrifices, and community unity.
Dree Festival (Apatani)
July 5th
The premier agricultural festival of the Apatanis, offering prayers to deities for a bountiful harvest, community health, and protection against agricultural pests.
Nyokum Yullo (Nyishi)
February 26th – 28th
The grand annual harvest and harmony festival of the Nyishi tribe, featuring traditional animal blessings, folk dances, community feasts, and prayers for prosperity.
Solung Festival (Adi)
September 1st – 5th
The signature socio-religious harvest festival of the Adi community in the Siang Valley, celebrated with traditional Ponung folk dances, Ponung shamans (Miri), and rice beer feasting.
Sangken (Khamti & Singpho)
April (Water Festival)
The Theravada Buddhist New Year festival celebrated at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, where sacred Buddha statues are ritually cleansed with fragrant water followed by playful community splashing.
