Why was the Sunrise Festival, Arunachal Pradesh, in the News?
The Sunrise Festival 2025–26 came into focus as the first edition of the festival began from 29 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 at Dong Village in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh. Notably, Dong is the first village in India to witness the sunrise. As a result, this community-led celebration marked India’s first sunrise of the New Year 2026. Moreover, it highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural identity and tourism potential.
About Dong Village:
To begin with, Dong village lies close to the India–China–Myanmar tri-junction. Therefore, its geographical location gives it high strategic and geographical importance. Moreover, the village is located about 7 km from Walong, on the left bank of the Lohit River. Importantly, Dong is the India’s eastern-most inhabited village.
At the same time, Dong village is home to the Meyor tribe, an indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh. Through events like the Sunrise Festival, the village actively showcases the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of indigenous communities. All together strengthen cultural awareness and heritage preservation.
Objectives of the Sunrise Festival:
- To begin with, the Sunrise Festival aims to project Arunachal Pradesh as a destination for nature-based, cultural, adventure, and sustainable tourism.
- Moreover, it seeks to promote community-led and eco-friendly tourism models. Furthermore, it ensures local participation and ownership.
- At the same time, the festival works to create livelihood opportunities for local communities through tourism and allied activities.
- Finally, it strives to establish Dong village as a unique geographical and cultural landmark of India on the national and global tourism map.
Significance of the Sunrise Festival, Arunachal Pradesh:
Sustainability Dimension:
- To begin with, the festival follows a strong sustainability theme of “No Trash, No Trace, No Excuse.”
- Moreover, it promotes responsible tourism, zero-waste practices, and eco-friendly travel behaviour.
- As a result, it aligns closely with the principles of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, especially in fragile regions.
Tourism and Economic Significance:
- Additionally, the Sunrise Festival is expected to emerge as a signature tourism event of Northeast India.
- It highlights natural beauty, cultural diversity, and eco-tourism, strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s image as a sustainable tourism destination.
- At the same time, the festival focuses on creating long-term livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
- Furthermore, it supports small and local businesses by integrating them into the tourism value chain.
- Importantly, the initiative balances tourism-led development with environmental responsibility.
- Finally, through active community participation, it ensures that economic benefits remain local. Furthermore, it aims to protect ecological integrity and cultural heritage.
About the Meyor Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh:
To begin with, the Meyor tribe is a small indigenous community residing mainly in the Kibithoo and Walong circles of Arunachal Pradesh. Owing to their location in India’s easternmost region, people refer them as the “Sunrise Tribe”. Additionally, the Meyors are referred to as Zakhring in local usage.
In terms of belief systems, the Meyors are traditionally animists, similar to the Mishmi tribes. Over time, however, many members of the community have also adopted Mahayana Buddhism, reflecting cultural interaction and religious assimilation.
Culturally, the tribe celebrates several unique festivals. ‘Lha Chut’ is an important festival with close association with traditional beadwork and cultural expression. ‘Sungkhu’ marks the harvest of new food grains, during which member of this tribe offer their first produce to God Yodak as a ritual of gratitude. In addition, Meyor tribe also observe festivals such as Tso Tangpo and Tsotangpho Wangley. Notably, Tso Tangpo, celebrated in the month of April, marks the spring season.
Economically, cultivation remains the primary occupation of the Meyor people, reflecting their close dependence on land and natural resources.
Finally, in terms of social organisation, a council of elders governs the society of Meyor tribe. This council of elders play a key role in decision-making, dispute resolution, and the preservation of traditional norms and customs.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Sunrise Festival in Arunachal Pradesh reflects a unique blend of culture, sustainability, and community-led tourism. By showcasing Dong village, India’s eastern-most inhabited village, the festival strengthens Arunachal Pradesh tourism. This festival promotes indigenous heritage of the Meyor tribe, and encourages eco-friendly and responsible tourism practices. Moreover, its focus on local livelihoods, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation makes it highly relevant for Prelims, GS I, and APPSC and UPSC current affairs, especially under topics related to tribal culture, sustainable tourism, and Northeast India.
Prelims Practice Question:
Consider the following statements regarding the Meyor Tribe and Dong village:
- The Meyor tribe is also known as the Zakhring and Sunrise tribe.
- The Meyor tribe practices animism and has also adopted Mahayana Buddhism.
- Tso Tangpo is a spring festival celebrated by the Meyor tribe in the month of April.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1, 2, and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
Correct Answer: A
Source: Arunachal Times
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The Sunrise Festival is a community-led cultural and tourism event held at Dong Village. Dong village in Arunachal Pradesh is India’s eastern-most inhabited village. This village witnesses the first sunrise of India. First organised from 29 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, it marked India’s first sunrise of the New Year 2026 and promoted sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
Dong Village is home to the Meyor Tribe. They are also famous by the name ‘Zakhring’ or ‘Sunrise Tribe’. The tribe follows animistic traditions and Mahayana Buddhism. If we look at their social life, councils of elders play an important role in the governance of their society. Their festivals, such as Lha Chut, Sungkhu, and Tso Tangpo, reflect rich tribal culture, nature worship, and sustainable living.
