Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday (December 29) inaugurated the five-day Sunrise Festival at Dong in Anjaw, the first village in India to witness the sunrise.
“Declared open the 5-day Sun Rise Festival at Dong. Conceived with a long-term vision, the festival is expected to create meaningful opportunities for local entrepreneurs, encourage sustainable tourism, and help small businesses flourish,” CM Khandu posted on X.
The chief minister said, “A decade from now, the goal is to see this festival grow while strictly following the principle of ‘leave no trash, leave no trace.’ It holds immense potential for Anjaw district and Arunachal Pradesh as a whole.”
The Sunrise Festival at Dong in Anjaw district is the first-ever New Year festival in Arunachal Pradesh, built around the unique experience of witnessing India’s earliest sunrise.
Nestled in the far eastern reaches of Anjaw district near the tri-junction of India, China and Myanmar, Dong village carries immense geographical, cultural and strategic significance. It is home to the indigenous Meyor tribe, whose distinct traditions and deep bond with nature define the village’s cultural identity.
The Sunrise Festival began with sacred Meyor rituals, invoking the spirits of the forest and mountains and offering prayers to the deities.
At the venue of the Sunrise Festival in Dong, the Indian Army has put up an impressive display of its latest gadgets, weaponry and equipment, highlighting its strength, technological capabilities and operational preparedness.
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Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who attended the inaugural ceremony, expressed delight at witnessing the Sunrise Festival at Dong, where the first sunrays fall in the country.
The decision to celebrate the Sunrise Festival was envisioned under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu following the Cabinet Aapke Dwar meeting held at Dong on May 12.
