About Arunachal Pradesh |
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Arunachal
Pradesh, the land of the rising sun, is the remotest and one
of the loveliest region in the north east India. Arunachal
Pradesh is a unique holiday destination and also one of the
most least populated states in the entire North East.
Arunachal Pradesh is largest of all the north eastern states
and covers an area of 83,743 square km. Arunachal Pradesh
shares border with the Myanmar, Bhutan and China. |
This
mysterious isolated land is being protected from the ills of
over-development and its consequent problems, due to
restricted entry regulations. The state of Arunachal Pradesh
has such a magical charm that it attracts the visitor due to
its natural beauty, tribal culture, craft traditions and
splendid wildlife. It is blessed by a delightful variegated
climate, that is perfect for holidays at any time of the year.
It also provides the tourists, the verdant valleys, misty
mountain peaks, swift rivers and the finest wildlife
sanctuaries. |
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History of
Arunachal
Pradesh |
Some of the areas
of Arunachal Pradesh are so isolated that an Indian army
reconnaissance recently revealed that a tribe is still living in
caves and leading a nomadic life. They ate their food in
uncooked state and are ignorant about the discovery of fire.
They were leading the solitary life untouched and unaware of the
global development and revolution occurring in this fast
changing world. The references to this region are mentioned in
the ancient "Puranas". The recorded history can be traced only
when the Ahom kings of Assam began to rule in the 16th century
and took the possession of Assam in 1838. The British
Christened, originally known as North East Frontiers Agency (NEFA)
took administrative control of Arunachal Pradesh and it remained
under their control till 1948. In 1873, the British stopped free
movement policy and this policy was resumed only after the
Indian independence. It was placed under the administration of
the Union Government in 1948 and attained the status ofs Union
Territory under the name of Arunachal Pradesh on January 20th
1972. It was however acknowledged as a full-fledged state only
on 20th February 1987 and converted into a legislative assembly.
The state of Arunachal Pradesh is divided into eleven districts,
each under the control of the Deputy Commissioner.
The Indian Government has decided to open the state for tourism.
But due to it typical strategic location, an inner line permit
is required to explore the region. |
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Geography of
Arunachal
Pradesh |
The serried ridges
and peaks of the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh rise
from the tropically lush valley of the Brahmaputra River. Almost
80 per cent of the state is under forest cover, which varies
from the sub-tropical to the alpine in the upper regions of the
northwest, bordered by the Himalayas. The forests have a dynamic
blend of an amazing flora and fauna from north to south, and
interspersed with rich valleys where the ancient tribes resides
in the picturesque village. Strung out along the misty hilltops
and deep valleys, its picturesque townships and villages are the
first in the land to be kissed by the rays of the morning sun
giving Arunachal Pradesh, a unique position. Plunging down from
rugged peaks are emerald valleys which are fed by the intricate
cobweb of rivers and streams that criss–cross this vast land.
The mighty Siang River, that start as the Tsangpo in the
Mansarovar in Tibet is fed by the mighty Brahmaputra River in
Assam. Besides this, some other rivers are the Kameng, Subansiri,
Lohit and the Tirap and their numerous tributaries, that offer
tourists various opportunities for white river rafting, angling,
climbing, trekking and tribal tours. |
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People
of Arunachal Pradesh |
About 26 major
tribes and various sub-tribes resides in the villages of Arunachal Pradesh.
The people are simple, friendly, hospitable and follow the
traditional lifestyles. Some of the major tribes are the Wanchos, Noctes, Khamtis, Singphos, Tangsas, Adis, Akas,
Apatanis, Mishis, Nyishis and Mijis, Monpas and Sherdukpens,
Tawang and Membas.
More
about People of Arunachal Pradesh
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Festivals
of Arunachal Pradesh |
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The
festivals form an essential part of the socio-cultural
life of the people of the Arunachal Pradesh. Such
festivals are celebrated at a larger sale for thanking the
Gods for their providence and for saying a prayer for a
bumper crop. Some of the important festivals which are
celebrated throughout the year are Solung, Mopin, Losar,
Torgya, Saka Dawa, Dukpa Tse-Shi, Lhabab Dueshen, Ganden
Ngamchoe, Nyukom Yullow, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau,
Khan, Kshyat-Sowai, Loku, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Reh, Oriah,
Si-Donyi and Tamladu.
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Dances of Arunachal
Pradesh |
The dances form
an important part in the life of the tribes and people of
Arunachal Pradesh. These people dance during important
rituals, festivals and also for recreation. Most of the dances
are accompanied by songs sung generally in chorus. The dances
of the people of Arunachal are group dances, where both men
and women take part. Some of the popular folk dances of
Arunachal Pradesh are Aji Lamu, Roppi, Hiirii Khaniing, Popir,
Pasi Kongki, Chalo, Ponung, Rekham Pada, Lion and Peacock
dance. |
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Art & Craft
of Arunachal Pradesh |
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Arunachal
Pradesh is a land of the beautiful handicrafts. These
handicrafts are available in a wide variety. All the people
have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship. A wide variety of
crafts such as weaving, painting, pottery, smithy work,
basketry, woodcarving etc. are found among the people of
Arunachal Pradesh. From the point of view of art and culture,
the area can be divided into three zones.The first zone
includes the Buddhist tribes. The people of the second zone
are expert workers in cane and bamboo. The people of the third
zone are famous for their woodcarving. |
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Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Arunachal Pradesh |
Arunachal
Pradesh is home to a very rich variety of wildlife population
due to the wide variety of altitudinal and climatic conditions
and different types of forests. There are two national parks
and four wildlife sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh. It is home
to many rare and highly endangered species of wildlife like
Mishmi, Takin, Hoolock Gibbon, Musk Deer, Bharal, Hisbid Hare,
Flying Squirrel and more than 500 species of birds. Numerous
species of butterflies, moths, beetles and all other kinds of
small creatures have made Arunachal Pradesh a paradise for
entomologists and naturalists. More than 500 rare species of
orchids are also found in Arunachal Pradesh. |
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How to reach Arunachal Pradesh |
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Lilabari, North Lakhimpur in
Assam. Lilabari is about 60 km from Itanagar.
Helicopter Services:
The Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service operates daily services
between Guwahati and Naharlagun. The Helicopter also now
connects many other centers within Arunachal Pradesh. The
Helicopter Services mainly originate from Guwahati, Dibrugarh (Mohanbari)
and Itanagar and are available for Tawang, Ziro, Along, Daporijo,
Pasighat, Roing, Anini, Tezu and Khonsa.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Harmuty in Assam,
about 33 km from Itanagar. A more convenient railway station is
located at North Lakhimpur in Assam, about 60 km from Itanagar
and 407 km from Guwahati.
By Road:
From Guwahati, one travels mostly on NH 52 to reach Itanagar,
about 429 km away.
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