Arunachal Pradesh is a region that radiates diversity in every sense. Be it harvest festivals such as Boori Boot (of Nyishis) or Solung (of Adis), friendship & fraternity festivals such as Myoko (of Apatanis), to New Year festivals such as Losar (of Monpas), the state hosts several indigenous festivals which hold immense cultural and religious values. Nevertheless, other than the traditional forms of indigenous festivities, people do love to indulge in and celebrate gazetted festivals such as Diwali, Christmas, Holi, Durga Puja, etc. When it comes to recreation and festivities, Arunachalees put everything on the line to make the celebrations grand and extravagant.

 Separated from every other unique and special festival celebrated by the particular community of Arunachal Pradesh, this blog will highlight a few festivals that one can easily pick according to their interests.

Ziro Music Festival/ Ziro Festival of Music

 Ziro Music Festival or abbreviated as ZFM is one of the most popular music festivals organized in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Launched in the year 2012, the festival has been set each year in the picturesque 'Biirii' Valley of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. Only after the emergence of the sudden pandemic in the year 2020, did the festival have a little hiatus. The three-day outdoor music festival features stellar performances by talented artists from across the globe, but the festival focuses more on the promotion of Indie artists of India and specifically the artists of NorthEast India. This year, in 2022 Ziro Festival of Music was celebrated from 29th September - 2nd October.

Orange Festival (Dambuk)

 Orange Festival is a festival of Adventure & Music that will be celebrated from the 15th to the 18th of December, this year (2022) at Dambuk, Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is set in a stunning backdrop, filled with orange musk, with a hint of the sweet and tangy aroma of Orange Orchard (hence, the name) at Dambuk. There are plenty of recreational and adventurous activities to experience at the event to feed the adrenaline rush, as well as find wanderlust amidst nature, or get your grooves on by phenomenal artists from across the regions.

Tawang Festival

 The Tawang festival celebration was started from the year 2012, by the Tourism Department of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. This year, 2022, will be held from 28th October to 31st October. The festival showcases the tradition, culture, cuisine, music, dance, etc of the indigenous community, the Monpas of the Tawang district. Tawang, where the festival is held, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The festival set in the scenic backdrop will never fail to captivate and caress your eyes.

Arunachal Literature Festival

 Arunachal Literature Festival is not your typical dance party festival, but it is a revelry for literature lovers who are surrounded by books and like-minded people. The event hosts programs such as open mic poetry, book recitals, book fairs, and more. Some renowned faces can also be seen in the Literature Festival of Arunachal. This year, the event will be organized at Namsai, from the 3rd to the 5th of November 2022.

Basar Confluence (BasCon)

 Basar Confluence, shortly known as BasCon is organized in the Basar town, Lepa Rada district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a festival of rejoicing in the culture, food, and dance of the Galo community. Serval artists from around the world are invited to perform on the event's platform, which is sure to enthrall every observer. In 2022, the Basar will be celebrating its 5th Edition of Basar Confluence from 6th December to 7th December.

 As a finding, I realized, such are the festivals that are organized and dedicated to improving tourism in the state as well as showcasing the culture, tradition, and protecting wildlife, etc of the state. These types of recreational festivals and tourism festivals play a big role in improving tourism, contribute to intercultural exchange, and back the economy of the state.