Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian state located in the north-eastern corner of India, which is actually a state of breathtaking natural beauty, but what makes it exceptionally special is the unique cultural diversity and heritage of its various indigenous tribes. With over 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, Arunachal Pradesh is often referred to as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun,’ and it is a treasure trove of fascinating cultures, traditions, and customs that have been preserved for centuries.
Each tribes of Arunachal Pradesh has a unique language, festivals, lifestyle, and identity. The tribes have been living in harmony with nature for ages and have built an immense connection with their environment. In this blog, we’ll embark on an interesting journey to the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and discover their way of life, culture, food, costumes, and more.
1. The Apatani Tribe
The Apatani tribe is one of the most well-known tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, primarily inhabiting the Ziro Valley. The Apatanis are famous for their intricate rituals and unique way of life, which have been largely untouched by modernity.
Lifestyle & Culture: The Apatanis practice wet rice cultivation, using the terraced paddy fields that dominate the Ziro Valley. Their farming practices are deeply intertwined with their spirituality, and they celebrate various festivals that are connected to the agricultural cycle. The tribe is also known for its sustainable approach to farming, which involves maintaining a balance between nature and agriculture.
Food: The Apatani diet is mainly rice, vegetables, and fish. They are known for their “Bamboo Shoot” dishes, which are a staple in their cuisine. Bamboo shoots are used in soups, curries, and even fried dishes. Rice beer is also a common alcoholic beverage consumed during festivities.
Costume: The traditional attire of Apatani women is a striking feature of their culture. Women used to wear big nose plugs made of wood, along with tattoos on their faces, which was a symbol of beauty. However, the practice of facial tattoos and nose plugs is no longer followed, though it remains an important part of their historical identity. The women wear colorful shawls, skirts, and headdresses, while men typically wear “daak”, a traditional attire, along with a headgear made of feathers.
2. The Nyishi Tribe
The Nyishi tribe is one of the largest tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, and their settlements are spread across the central and western regions of the state, including Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, and Kamle districts.
Lifestyle & Culture: The Nyishis are agricultural people, with a special interest in rice, millet, and vegetable cultivation. They follow both shifting and settled cultivation. The Nyishis are also nature-worshippers, believing in animism, where they worship the spirits of mountains, rivers, and forests. Festivals are an integral part of their culture, and “Idu” (the Nyishi New Year) is one of the most important.
Food:
The Nyishi diet mainly consists of rice, meat, fish, and vegetables. They also consume a variety of indigenous fruits and herbs, which are used in their traditional remedies. Rice beer and “pork with bamboo shoot” are popular among them.
Costume: Nyishi males wear a traditional attire, “chadar” that is a cloth draped around the waist and headgear known as “pagri”. The women dress in a “meri”, which is a long cloth wrapped around the waist and colorful woven belts. Beautiful silver jewelry adorns the women. Both men and women wear brass, bone, and wood made beads and armlets.
3. The Monpa Tribe
The Monpa tribe mainly dwells in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in the districts of Tawang and West Kameng. This tribe is renowned for their Buddhist way of life and culture, which has an influence of the Tibetan culture.
Lifestyle & Culture: The Monpas engage in settled agriculture and are highly skilled at growing crops like barley, wheat, and potatoes. Buddhism plays a central role in their lives, and they follow the teachings of the Dalai Lama. The Monpa people are also famous for their colorful “Losar” (Tibetan New Year) celebrations, which include prayers, rituals, and dancing. Tawang, the home of the famous Tawang Monastery, is a major pilgrimage site for Monpas and Buddhists from across the world.
Food: The cuisine of the Monpas uses much barley, rice, and meat. One of their specialities is the “Thukpa”, which is a noodle soup eaten when it’s chilly. They prepare “Momos” which are the local version of a dumpling made with vegetables or meat; people love these much. For them, butter tea is the prime beverage when the weather gets too cold. Costume: The traditional Monpa attire is composed of “Chuba”, a long woolen robe, which both men and women wear. A “Pakku” is worn by women as a headdress, and there are “Knee-length boots” to keep them warm. Lhakpa, a long coat, is the traditional one for men and they are also often seen wearing “Chann” which is a waist cloth.
4. The Adi Tribe
The Adi tribe lives in the eastern and central parts of Arunachal Pradesh, mostly in the districts of Upper Siang and West Siang. The Adis are famous for their colorful celebrations and strong group life.
Lifestyle & Culture: The Adis are majorly agrarian, mostly depending on rice production and hunting for their survival. They believe in a mixture of animism and ancestor worship. The oral tradition of storytelling is strong and revered in the tribe, where elders teach wisdom through stories and fables. “Mopin”, the harvest festival, is one of the most important functions for the Adis, which is characterized by festivities, dances, and traditional rites.
Food: The Adi cuisine includes rice, fish, and meat, with “Mithun” being an important part of their diet. The Adis also use a variety of local herbs and vegetables to prepare soups and stews. Rice beer is often consumed during festivals and ceremonies.
Costume: Adi men wear a simple “Dokin” (loincloth) and “Gong” (a headband). Women wear a colorful “Atiya” (a traditional handwoven skirt) with “Miri” (a blouse) and a bright “Mojar” (shawl). Adi women also wear intricate silver jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and armlets.
5. The Bodo Tribe
The Bodo tribe is one among the indigenous tribals of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly found in and around the Bodoland Territorial Region adjacent to Assam. They own a distinct local language and also a culture that goes with it. The Bodos are farmers, tending to rice, maize, and jute. They also are good weavers, whose cloth is beautiful and artistic. Their culture is primarily related to nature worship and the belief in the spirits of trees and animals. One of the prominent festivals for the Bodo people is “Bwisagu”, during which the people go for traditional dancing and rituals asking for blessings over the harvest time.
Cuisine: Bodo cuisine includes rice, fish, and vegetables, which are often flavored with “Khar” (a traditional Bodo dish made with raw papaya and pulses). They also enjoy “Pitha”, a type of rice cake, and “Rice Beer”, which is a staple during festivals and ceremonies.
Costume: Traditionally, the Bodo tribe wears “Dokhona”, colorful cloth, in the waist and a blouse, worn by women, and men wear “Rikham”, a traditional cloth around their body with a headgear made of animal fur.
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh is a land of fascinating tribes, each with its unique way of life, customs, and culture. The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, from the Apatani to the Monpa, the Nyishi to the Bodo, continue to preserve their age-old traditions, despite the influences of modernity. Their deep connection to nature, their spirituality, and their vibrant festivals are a testament to their resilience and cultural pride.
Whether it’s the colorful costumes, mouth-watering food, or the ancient customs passed on through generations, the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh are an enchanting glimpse into one of the most diverse and rich cultural landscapes India has to offer. If ever you are privileged enough to be able to visit this beautiful state, make sure to immerse yourself in the traditions of its indigenous people for an experience that will stay with you forever.