First ever Sunrise Festival begins in Arunachal with sacred Meyor rituals
Dibrugarh: The first-ever Sunrise Festival began on Monday in Arunachal Pradesh's Dong village with sacred Meyor rituals, invoking the spirits of the forest and mountains and offering prayers to the deities.
Dong, India’s easternmost village, is hosting the inaugural Sunrise Festival, an adventure-based cultural and tourism celebration.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the festival in Dong by offering prayers to the deities.
Taking to X, Pema Khandu also said, “Dong, the Sunrise Festival begins with sacred Meyor rituals, invoking the spirits of the forest and mountains and offering prayers to the deities.”
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also accompanied Khandu at the festival, which has been organised for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh.
Dong, a village in Anjaw district’s Dong Valley, is the first habitation in India to receive the sun’s rays every day.
The five-day festival will feature diverse tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, including the Mishmi, Singhpho, Galo, Wancho, Nocte, Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, and Monpa, who will showcase their unique cultures and traditions.
The festival also aims to create a community-led destination experience guided by India’s first sunrise.
“Our main aim is to promote tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, which is naturally rich. Through this festival, people will learn about the rich cultural legacy, heritage, traditions, and belief system of the Meyor or Zakhring people (also known as the Sunrise People of Dong Valley), whose lives are deeply rooted in sun and nature worship,” said an organiser.
He further added, “This is our first time organising such a festival, and we are delighted. It will give people around the globe a clear idea of Arunachal Pradesh’s diversity. Dong is home to the indigenous Meyor tribe, known for their simplicity and deep connection to nature.”
Dong village, located in the remote Anjaw district at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, holds immense geographical, cultural, and strategic significance.