Tribal Festivals: Losar, Torgya & Solung

Arunachal Pradesh's calendar is full of festivals, each tied to a tribe's faith, farming cycle or history, and attending one is the most vivid way to experience local culture. In western Arunachal, Torgya is celebrated at Tawang Monastery in January with three days of masked cham dances performed by monks to drive away evil spirits and bring prosperity. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, follows in February or March with prayers, family feasts and archery.

In central and eastern Arunachal, the Adi celebrate Solung around 1 September, a harvest and fertility festival with ponung dances and rituals that can last several days, centred around Pasighat and Aalo. The Apatani of Ziro celebrate Myoko in March and Dree in July; the Nyishi celebrate Nyokum in February; and the Idu Mishmi of Roing hold Reh in early February. The Siang River Festival and the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival are newer events.

Dates follow lunar or local calendars, so we confirm them each year and plan itineraries around them, with local hosts who can explain the meaning of each ritual and how visitors can participate respectfully.