TRIBES :
There are about 20 Major tribes with a number of Sub-Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.
ADIS:
The Adis have two main divisions, (the Bogum and Bomis) and under each there are a number of sub-tribes. The Minyongs, Karkos, Shimongs, Bomdo, Janbos, Paggis, Pailibos, Bogum, Padams, Milangs and so on from one group ; while the Gallong and seven other groups constitute another group of Adis. The Adis by nature are democratic and organised village council called Kebang. Their traditional dance called Ponung is famous in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. Dances are very popular among them. Adi villages are situated generally on the spurs of hills. Polyandy is unknown but polygyny is practised. Adi women are very good weavers and weave cloth with highly artistic designs.
The Adis have two main divisions, (The Bogums and Bomis) and under each there are a number of sub-tribes. the Minyonfs, Karkos, Shimongs, Bomdo, Janbos, Panggis, Palibos, Bogums, Padams, Milangs and so on from one group; while the Gallong and seven other groups constitute another group of Adis. The Adis by nature are democratic and have an unique sense of history.
They have well organised village council called 'Kebang'. Their traditional dance called 'Ponung' is famous in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. Dances are very popular among them. Adi villages are situated generally on the spurs of hills. Polyandry is unknown but polygamy is practised. Adi women are very good weavers and weave cloth with highly artistic designs.
Apatanis:
The Apatanis are settled agriculturists inhabiting the valley around Ziro-the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. The older men-folk tie the hair in top-knots and tattoo the faces. Wearing of circular nose plugs and tattooing of faces is the most characteristic aspect of ornamentation of older Apatani women. However, new generation of Apatani men and women have stopped this practice of tying hair knot, nose plugs and face tattooing since early 1970s. The Apatani are good cultivators and practice both wet and terrace cultivation. Paddy cum fish culture is very popular among them. Unlike other tribes of Arunachal their economy is stable.
Buguns:
The Buguns or Khowas are gentle, hospitable and affectionate people. They are agriculturist and perform a number of rites and ceremonies for their welfare.
Hrusso:
The Hrusso or Akas have a custom of painting their face with black marks. They figured frequently in old historical records. Their popular belief is that they were related with the Ahom Kings.They are keen traders and trade, mainly in cloth, blankets, swords etc. They have come to some extent under both Hindu and Buddhist influence.
Singphos:
The Singphos represent a section of the Kachin tribe of Burma. They live on the banks of Tengapani and Noa Dehang rivers. They are agriculturists and expert blacksmiths. The ladies are good weavers too. They follow Buddhism but at the same time believe in a host of spirit.
Khambas and Membas:
Khambas and Membas inhabiting northern part of West Siang are Buddhist by religion. Polyandry is prevalent among them. But it is more in vogue among the Membas. Agricultural activities are popular among them . Millet and Maize are their staple food . They grow cotton and barle also.
Mishmis:
Mishmis form the bulk of the population of Lohit, Upper Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts. There are also the Khamtis, the Singphos and a few Adi settlement. The Mishmis are divided into three main groups namely- Idus or Chulikatas, Digarus or Taroan and Mijus or Kaman. A section of the Idu Mishmi are also called Bebejia Mishmi . Their women are expert weavers and make excellent coats and blouses. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. By nature they are traders. Since very early days the Mishmis had relations with the plains of Assam. The chief items of trade are deer –musk, wild medicinal plants, animal skins , Mishimi – tita etc.
Monpas:
The Monpas are simple, gentle and courteous people. They are friendly and possess a rich heritage of culture. They dress well in artistically designed clothes. Their communal life is rich and happy. They follow Buddhism and profess Mahayana Buddhism which centre round the Tawang Monastery. Each house has a small chapel attached to it.
Nyishi:
The Nyishi are the largest groups of people inhabiting the major part of Lower Subansiri district. Their menfolk wear their hair long and tie it in a knot just above the forehead. They wear cane bands around the waist. They believe that after death the spirit of a dead travels to the 'village of the ancestors'. The Sulungs or Puroik are considered to be one of the oldest of the tribes in the area. Their dress and constumes are simple, and the religion is a form of the primitive ' spirit culture'.
The Nishing are the largest groups of people inhabiting the major part of Lower Subansiri district. Their manfolk wear their hair long and tie it in a knot just above the forhead. A Nishi can be easily distinguished by his dress peculiar to his tribe.
A neatly woven cane cap which they call Bopia on his head, a knot at the forhead called Padum with a cane basket looks like haversackcall Nara, a smoking pipe in his mouth and a long Dao (long bladed knife) he looks like a proud man, proud of his race and tradition.They wear cane bands around the waist.They believe that after death the spirit of a dead travels to the 'village of the ancestors'. The Nishings belong to the Indo-Mongoloid group of people and their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family.
The Nishi villages are rarely found in clusters. The tribe as a whole is fond of hunting and fishing in which they perhaps excel any other neighbouring tribes. Because of the lack of sufficient suitable land for wet rice cultivation, the Nishis are almost entierly dependent on slash and burn cultivation which is popularly called as Jhoom Cultivation. They cultivate dry rice in the slopes of the hills. Opo which is popularly called "Apong" is the only and popular drink amongst the Nishis.
Their life is full of rituals and festivals. Like menfolk, a Nishi lady usually carries a neatly woven cane basket for multipurpose use on her back called egin. The Nyukum festival which is celebrated every year with pomp and gaiety during the month of February is one of the important festivals of the Nishis.
Sherdukpens:
The Sherdukpens are a small tribe. They are good agriculturist but their main interest is trade. Their religion is an interesting blend of Mahayana Buddhism and tribal magico-religious beliefs.
Tagins:
The Tagins are main inhabitant of Upper Sunansiri district. Their main occupation is agriculture. Polygamy is customary among them. Their dress is very simple consisting of only one piece of cloth.
Khampti:
The Khamtis are believed to have migrated from the Shan states of Burma . They are the only tribe in Arunachal who have a script of their own, They are Buddhist ( Hinayana cult) by religion, and bury the dead in a coffin. They include Khamyang tribe.
Wanchos:
The Wanchos inhabit the western part of Tirap district, bordering Nagaland. They are a carefree, cheerful and hard-working people. Head hunting was customary with them in the old days. It was connected with many of the social activities of the tribe. Their society is divided into four classes the Wanghams ( chiefs ) , the Wangpana , the Wangaue and Wangaas . They have a strict sense of discipline and the law and order of the society is maintained by a village council. The entire tribe is divided into about forty confederacies of villages. Tattooing is a social custom among them . They believe in the existence of two powerful deities, Rang and Baurang. The women are good weavers but the art is restricted to the members of the chief’s families only. They are expert in wood carving also.
Noctes:
The Noctes inhabit the central part of Tirap to the east of the Wanchos. They are organized under powerful chief-those of Namsang and Borduria,They profess Vaishnavism and are disciple of the Bareghar Satra of Nazira, Assam, Naga Narottam who was a close friend of Shri Ram Dev Ata, the founder- satradhikar of the Brehar satra, , become his first disciple, Noctes are famous as salt producers which is their chief item of trade and barter. They are agriculturists. They also cultivate betel leaves on a commercial scale.
Yobin:
The Yobin, also called Lisus , are a small group of people inhabiting the remote easternmost corner of the Tirap district. They are simple and gentle people having their own culture , religion, faith and beliefs and dialect.
FESTIVALS:
Arunachal Pradesh, the most fascinating and sparsely populated state in eastern India, is a land of tribes. The festivals here are abound with zest and life - based on aspects related to nature and agriculture. Dance is the soul of all the festivals here; performed with pride and belief.
Losar Festival :
Losar or The New Year festival, is the most important festival of Tawang District in Arunachal Pradesh. The Monpa Tribe celebrate this as the coming of a new year. TheMonpas are the major portion of the population in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh.
The initial celebrations start with people cleaning their homes and discarding all the old items to welcome the festival. This festival mostly falls in the last part of February or early part of March. The festival generally lasts for eight to fifteen days and is celebrated with loads of fun and festivity. During the festival days, festivities prayers are offered for prosperity and good health. People hoist religious flags atop their homes and make visits to homes relatives and friends. The holy scriptures are read in every home as part of festival prayer. Lamps with butter are lit in all the houses.
The local tribal’s are believer of their tribe’s customs. The tribes perform rites to protect their land from any sort of evil eye and any kind of supernatural attack. The local deity is worshipped for the welfare of the society and the people. The festival is a colorful event and the people celebrate this festival with their traditional music and dance. People participate with much faith and fun to make the festival a remarkable one. This festival witnesses the local tribal traditions and customs. Monpas enjoy this time with high festive spirit and do a lot of merry making. Feasting with local drinks drinking is organized together with friends and relatives. This festival depicts the social-cultural and native living of the Monpas.
Dree Festival :
The Dree Festival involves the sacrifice of fowls, eggs and animals to the Gods. The gods worshipped during this festival are Tamu, Metii , Danyi and Harniang. The festival is celebrated to appease these Gods so as to avoid famine in the society. This festival is a part of the Apatanis in Arunachal Pradesh. The Apatanis, reside in a valley called Ziro. Ziro is located at the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. The Apatanis are famous for the practice of wet rice cultivation. TheApatanis had invented the wet rice cultivation without using any form of scientific technologies and methods. Rice is the staple food of the Apatanis. The festival falls during the month of July each year and this festival is connected with the cultivation of rice.
During the Dree festival every household prepares the local beer “Apong” and performs cleaning of houses and its surroundings. The head priest (Nyibu) acts as a leader of these celebrations and rituals. The spot for the festival is decided by the priest and the elderly people of the village. The people follow the existing belief of choosing a place of worship near to a paddy field. The spot for the festival is decorated with branded bamboos. The god Danyi is prayed for protection and prosperity of the mankind. Tamu is prayed to protect the plants from harmful pests and insects. Metii is prayed for controlling of famine and epidemics. Harniang is prayed for keeping the soil stable, and preventing the paddy plants from getting dried.
Solung Festival :
The ‘Solung' is celebrated by the ‘Adi' community. Adi’s belong to the agricultural community and thus this festival is connected with the agricultural activities of the people. Various myths, stories, and beliefs are associated with the origin of the ‘Solung' festival.
Solung is celebrated in the mid-part of the year in the monsoon month of July/August. The date of celebration of this festival is on different days of these months depending upon different villages. But, the final date of the festival is decided by the Kebang or the village council keeping the convenience of the village people in mind. Sometimes, even the headman can also fix the date of this festival along with village leader's consent. Once the date is fixed, rice-beer or ‘Apong'preparation starts. The people start storing fresh vegetables for the occasion.
The Solung festival continues for 7 days and on the first day, the Indian Bison along with pigs are slaughtered in the early hours of the morning. A family can sacrifice depending upon their financial capability. Apong is prepared in plenty and offered on the day of slaughter. Meats of all the slaughtered animals are preserved for the rest of the day of the festival.
The second day of the festival is known as ‘Yegling'. On this particular day 1/3rd of the preserved meat is distributed among the relatives. A grand dinner feast is arranged for neighbours, women and children. Apong, however is prepared on all the days of the Solung festival. Any one of the inmates of the family goes to the field on the fourth day and sacrifices a fowl. A woman or a girl generally offers the Ettingand Apong along with the sacrifice. This day is called as ‘Oinnyad'.
Reh Festival :
Reh, one of the most important festivals of the Idus, is celebrated during the month of February. The inhabitants of theTalo, Amru, and Dri villages of the Dibang valley celebrate it during summer and monsoon. The climate is moderate during this time. In the other parts, theIdus celebrate the same during February to May. The Idus people believe thatNanyiInyitaya is their mother and they can only get her blessings only when they perform the Puja or celebrate the Reh festival. The festival starts with the sacrifice of buffaloes for offering to the great mother NanyiInyitaya. Relatives are gifted with money and pigs. The festival is very expensive, thus people start with all the arrangements and preparations four or five years before the actual celebration. Any such person who wants to celebrate this festival takes a local system called as Ada. The system involves the collection of pigs, cash, money etc. After completion ofAda, a tentative year is fixed, which is generally one year ahead of the actual celebration. 'Yunyiphri' - the rice beer preparation, is undertaken three to four months before the actual celebration. The festival is celebrated for 6 consecutive days and the first day is called Andropu. This day is observed by offering prayers for the festival to pass on without any obstacles. The people do Naya dance during the night. The second day is the killing day of animals like mithuns and buffaloes. All the guests who attend this festival are entertained with rice, meat and beer. The third day is called Iyili. On this particular day a heavy feast is arranged and everybody is entertained. Villagers who do not attend this festival are presented with meal-rice.
NYOKUM FESTIVAL:
The Nyokum Festival is usually celebrated in community grounds where people wearing traditional clothes gather up, sing, and dance. During the festival, head priest performs rituals and prayers are offered to the spirits to bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to the people. Men and women in traditional attire hold hands and gather up forming a circle and perform the traditional dance as they sing “Nyokum bo tapa debe”. Several competitions that foster the traditional art forms are organized during the festival.
Nyokum Festival has evolved much more than a festival to a celebration of life. Nyokum, indeed, is a colorful way of celebrating life and fostering the great ethnicity of Arunachal Pradesh.
TAMLA-DU:
Tamla-du festival is mainly observed by one of the oldest tribe of Arunachal Pradesh named Digaru Mishmis in the Lohit district on 15th February. The festival is a public display of the religious, social and supernatural beliefs of this tribe. They celebrate this festivity so as to protect their village and people from any natural disaster.
During the Tamladu festival in Arunachal Pradesh, the Digaru Mishmis tribe offer prayers to the God of Water and God of Earth to save the village from natural calamities. They also worship their almighty Lord Jebmalu during Tamladu festival to pray for the welfare of the domestic animals, human beings and the newly planted crops.
The Tamla-Du is the socio-religious festival of the Kaman (Miju) and Tawran (Digaru) Mishmi celebrated in the month of February during the spring season in a common platform for promoting and encouraging among the Mishmis’ to bring unity and gaiety, preserving their age old culture and traditions and to disseminate the message of cultural dignity, and social harmony as among the mishmi brethrens.
The rituals like Namsiang and Tamla-Taka or Tamla-Du is a form of natural deities and chanting practice by Mishmis immemorial time. In the mean time the origin of “Ziim” and “Chaney”, the first human being on the earth as per the myths of the Mishmis. In the mythology tells us that a long ago the planet earth was submerged under the mighty ocean except the mountain peak “Zai” was remain above the sea water and rest of the earth surface including high peak mountains and plateaus was also inundated in the sea.
Its Meaning and Spiritual Aspects
The form of Tamla-Taka (Tamla-Du) varies in many ways, subject to the rites performed for particular activities. The purpose of the Tamla-Du festival is to invoke and propitiate the Matai-Jabmalo (the supreme god) and other deities like Shutoh-Deynyah (God of the mountain) Buru-Buruyah (goddess of water and rain) Kangam-Kabruyah (goddess of soil) and Shamar (god of wealth and rich crops) to bestow their blessings upon all people irrespective of all religious community for peace and prosperity. The main objective of the festival is to pray collectively to the almighty god and goddess and spiritual aspects inhabited in the environment and their eco-system within a certain peripheries of spiritual existence.
ORIAH FESTIVAL:
The Oriah festival of Arunachal Pradesh is celeberated by the Wanchos, adjoining Nagaland in the easternmost trip of the state in the Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their structured village society in which the hereditary village chief still plays a vital role, worships the Sun and Moon God. They invoke nature deities and make animal sacrifices. a festival between March to April, for a period of six to twelve days interspersed with prayer, songs and dances. Villagers exchange bamboo tubes filled with rice beer as a mark of greeting and goodwill. Pork skin is then offered to the village chief as a mark of respect. This festival continues for several days just sowing of Jhum paddy and Pigs, buffaloes and mithuns are sacrificed and feasts are arranged in each and every morungs (dormitories). Boys and girls, wearing ceremonial costumes, sings and dance during this Oriah. People dances around a "Jangban", a long ceremonial pole planted during Oriah.
SANGKEN FESTIVAL:
Sangken festival is a Buddhist festival celebrated by the Khamtis in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh on 14th April. Sangken festival in Arunachal Pradesh also marks the beginning of a new year. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Buddha so that he can bless the mankind with prosperity. people irrespective of their tribe, caste, culture, race, sex, etc, participate in the rituals of the celebrations.
Sangken festival in Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated for three consecutive days. During these three days, the image of Lord Buddha is given a ceremonial bath. A huge procession is carried out throughout the area with the image of Lord Buddha. The procession is accompanied by the music of drums. People sing religious songs. Holy water is sprinkled all over the place to symbolize peace and purity.
On the final day of the Arunachal Pradesh Sangken festival, the images are taken back to the original place from where it was taken out. During Sangken festival at Arunachal Pradesh, women make sweets at home and distribute them in the whole area. Gifts are also exchanged with relatives and close friends. The whole festival ends with prayers for a prosperous new year.
Sangken Festival is celebrated on 14th of April, when the natives welcome the New Year with splendor and magnificence. According to the locals the new year is welcomed with warmth and affection. Not only people from Lohit District but from other district also celebrate the festival. The involvement and participation of the people shows the depth and importance of the occasion among the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
CHALO LOKU:
Chalo-Loku, the harvest festival of Nocte communityChalo-Loku.Chalo-Loku is the harvesting festival that is celebrated in the month of November. According to the tribe, Chalo-Loku brings good harvest, unity, peace and harmony among the people and the rituals are performed so as to please the Spirit God.
the day of Phamlamja, animals like buffaloes and pigs are killed for meat and the villagers engage themselves in hectic preparations for the next day. It is also a day for checking and rechecking the traditional costumes, which would be worn during the celebrations. In the past there were many rituals and ceremonies associated with Phamlamja. However, they have been modified or even given up with the passage of time.
The second day of Chamkatja, for reasons more than one, is the most important and a very hectic day of activities. The Noctes, since time immemorial, have been having a powerful institution called Paang or Morong, which is in every sense, the pulse of the village and also the highest seat of decision-making. To enable the male members of the family to become full-fledged members of the Paang it is mandatory that every household performs a ritual called Chamkat for every male member who has attained adolescence. This important ritual is observed on Chamkatja. It is only after performing Chamkat that any male member of the village is socially recognized and entitled to participate in all Paang activities and other community works pertaining to the village. But physically disabled and mentally unsound people do not normally perform this ritual for the simple reason that the moment a boy becomes a member of the Paang he is a responsible person having to perform, at times, important assignments of the Paang which a disabled or insane person cannot. Those families who solemnize Chamkat during the Chalo Loku arrange food and drinks for the villagers and friends and also observe a number of rituals related to the ceremony. The maternal uncle of the boy whose Chamkat is being observed has the most important role to play throughout the ceremony.
The Thanlangja, which is the final day of the festival, villagers, irrespective of age, sex or social status, take part in folk dances. Dances are performed at the Chief’s house and in the premises of the Paang. The families observing Chamkat also invite the dancers to dance at their houses and in return treat the participants with food, especially meat and drinks. Thanlangja is also a day for the people to visit their relatives and friends and exchange pleasantries. The guests invited for the festival are also warmly sent off on this day with gifts as a token of love and affection. However, today, many of these practices have been done away with for good or conveniently modified to suit the present-day ambience and needs. But the spirit of the celebrations, though rapidly on the wane, has somehow survived at least for now.
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