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 Culture
Arunachal Pradesh is home to at least 26 major and
many more minor tribes, each with its own tradition and
customs. The majority of the population, that consists
of tribes like Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Nyishi etc. still
continue with their ancient beliefs and indigenous
practices of worshipping the sun and the moon. This
religion is known as Donyi-Poto (which literally means
sun and moon). Monpas and Sherdukpens in Kameng and
Tawang districts, who came in contact with the Tibetans
in the north, adopted Mahayana of the Buddhist faith,
while the Khamptis in Lohit district practice Hinyana
Buddhism. The other group, comprising Noctes and Wanchos
in Tirap district still continue with their ancient
beliefs and indigenous practices of worships with some
traits of Hinduism (Vaishnavites). Being a distinctly
tribal state, festivals are an essential part of the
sociocultural life of the people in Arunachal Pradesh.
Most of these festivals are connected with agriculture
and celebrated with ritualistic gaiety either to thank
god for his providence or to pray for a bumper harvest.
The festivities mirror the culture, the artistry and
skirts of the people in music and dance. Besides dance
and music, the tribes in Arunachal Pradesh have a rich
tradition of artistic craftsmanship and sense of
aesthetics reflected in a variety of crafts such as
weaving, painting, pottery, smithy work, basket making
and wood carving. Monpas, for instance are adept in
carpet weaving and making painted wooden vessels.
Beautiful rugs are also woven in the area. Vivid colours
and exquisite patterns are the hallmark of their
weaving. Apatanis, Hills Mids and Adis make attractive
articles in cane and bamboo. The Wanchos are famous for
their wood and bamboo carved figures. They also make
intricate necklaces of colourful beads, the width of
which indicate the status of the person they adorn. Come
and take a look at this exotic way of life of the
people. If you are interested in studying different
people and tribes and their culture, Arunachal Pradesh
is the right destination for you.
Flora & Fauna
If people in Arunachal Pradesh are different, its
natural beauty is unparalleled. This land, encompassing
extensive geographical diversity and corresponding
climatic conditions varying from the tropical to the
temperate and At pine,
and a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna with
concomitant life form, has now started gaining acclaim
the world over as one of the richest biodiversity hot
spot. The variation in altitude and climatic conditions
account for four different types of forests whose
natural shelter and food harbours a range of flora and
fauna, some of which are found only in Arunachal
Pradesh. It is, for example, the only state that can
claim to have four major varieties of cats in its
jungles such as the tiger, leopard, clouded Leopard and
snow leopard. Then there are the lesser feline species
like the golden cat and marbled cat. More than 500
species of birds have been recorded, many of which ae
highly endangered and restricted to this state, such as
the white-winged duck, sclater's Monal, Bengal florican,
etc. Besides there are seven species of primates that
include 'takin' which is found in Arunachal Pradesh
only. A large mammal called "Mithun" (a cross between
the wild Gaur and domestic buffalo) is a majestic animal
which is indigenous to the state. Each district of
Arunachal Pradesh has its own exclusive and rare variety
of orchid. One of Asia's largest orchidarium is in
Arunachal Pradesh, located at Tipi. So if you love
nature in its full variety, Arunachal Pradesh is the
destination you are looking for.
 Adventure
Activities
Since Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with thick evergreen
forests covering more than 80 per cent of its total area
and has five major rivers - Kameng, Subansiri, lohit,
Siang and Tirap winding their way through the sylvan
hills, it is an ideal place for trekking, hiking,
angling, boating and rafting. The upper reaches offer an
ideal landscape for adventure tourism. There are many
mountainous trekking routes which are constantly drawing
tourists specially foreigners for their adventurous
endeavours. The famous Gorichen peak with the height of
6488 meters challenges every mountaineer to submit to
it. The entire area in between Bomdita and Tawang is
much sought after paradise for trekkers, mountaineers
and nature lovers with its magnificent passes and peaks,
enchanting rivers and waterfalls, mysterious hot springs
and takes, rich flora and fauna and warm local
hospitality. Mechuka area of West Siang District offers
another good trekking route for adventure seekers.
Because of its enchanting beauty and green meadows ,
Mechuka valley is called the Switzerland of Arunachal
Pradesh.
The another trek route starting from the plains of Siang
and Leading through the thick forest area is a
photographer's delight and also a promising tract for
Mahaseer angling. The trekking route Located in the
Dibang valley district with its highest peak at Mayudia
(2443 mtrs.) on the way to Anini, has a picturesque
beauty with a unique topography, flora[ and fauna[
diversity and a favourable natural setting. The main
tourist trekking spots are Mehao take inside sanctuary
and boating in Salley lake.
The hills in the Tezu-Hayutiang route is rich in flora
and fauna. A large number of migratory species of birds
visit this region from the Sino-Himalayan area during
the winter. The route is ideal for bird watching.
Many more unexplored trekking routes are still the
source of inspiration and attraction for adventure
seekers.
Angling in the Siang and Kameng rivers is a great fun.
There are numerous small and big tributaries of these
rivers that girdle through the entire panorama. If you
throw in your bait into any of these water points you
could jolly weLL be pulling a Golden Mahseers, or a
trout, a Labeobata or even Sehizo trout for a catch.
River rafting along Siang river amidst thousand of Ducks
and other water birds, the magnificent Gangetic Dotpin
showing up time & again is just irresistible. Turbulent
and serpentine Siang offers an excellent opportunity for
White Water Rafting.
Arunachal Pradesh is on its way to set up first 'Aero-
sports Institute' in the country with facilities like
Para Hang gtiding, Hot air batconing, Microlight
aircraft etc. for adventure seekers.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your trekking gear,
leave the worries behind and head for Arunachal Pradesh
to immerse yourself in the lap of nature's luxury |
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