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About Parsighat |
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Pasighat is the headquarters of East Siang district in the
Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat is located at 155
meters, with its picturesque splendours; Pasighat is
Arunachal's oldest town.As of 2001 India census, Pasighat had
a population of 21,972. Pasighat is mainly inhabited by the
Adi people who are known for their colourful Ponung dance and
war dance called Taapu. Pasighat is also ideal for adventure
sports activities.
Pasighat is located at 28.07°N 95.33°E. It has an average
altitude of 153 metres (501 ft). Winter is marked by cold dry
local seasonal wind which blows throughout the winter. The
area experiences tropical humid climate during summer and dry
mild winter. The place is known for receiving the highest
rainfall in a single year. Pasighat and the area around it
receive heavy rainfall every year during monsoon season
starting from May until September. The unique trough like
features surrounded by high hills on all three sides make this
place idyllic for attracting rain bearing cloud which come in
from the Assam plain. The rain bearing wind gets hindered by
the hills and brings heavy monsoon. This factor contributes in
making this place fog-free even in winter. The Brahmaputra
emerges from the foothills under the name of Dihang or Siang.
It enters India as Dihang, west of Sadiya town in Arunachal
Pradesh. Flowing south-west, it receives its main left bank
tributaries, viz. Lohit and Dibang; thereafter, it is known as
the Brahmaputra. Then it races across the Pasighat (north of
Assam) heading for the Assam plains as the impressive
Brahmaputra.
Agriculture is the main occupation of local people. Rice is
the main food crop produced in the area. There are various
large tea gardens in the environs of the town which attract
workers from all over the region. Lumbering was a big
supporting industry till the Supreme Court clamped down on the
industry during the nineties. There is also a bit of tourism
in Pasighat, being the oldest town in Arunachal Pradesh.
Agriculture, horticulture and tourism continue to be the main
source of economy for the town. |
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History of Parsighat |
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Pasighat was founded in 1911 A.D. by the British as a gateway to
administrative convenience of the greater Abor Hills and the
north area in general. Primarily there were settlements of Pasi
and Minyong communities who are still living in the villages in
and around Pasighat. Year 2011 (January) marked 100 years of its
existence and this occasion was celebrated in the DSA Ground (in
February last week) after having extended the function for more
than half a dozen times, thereby creating a mass public
irritation.
Cognizance of Pasighat appeared due to the Anglo-Abor War that
was fought in 1912. This imposed the first ever administrative
headquarters being established here with an Assistant Political
Officer posted. In the post-independent Era, Pasighat is
credited with the first Airfield (near Paglek, P.I. Line) which
was established in the year 1946. The first Agricultural
Institute in Arunachal Pradesh was also set up at Pasighat in
1950. Other forms of infrastructural development comprise the
following-
1) General Hospital -It was established in the year 1954,
although some claim it as old as the town itself.
2) Co-operative society Ltd (1957).
3) Nurse Training Centre (affiliated to General Hospital).
4) The first ever College in Arunachal Pradesh - Jawaharlal
Nehru College (established: July 4, 1964).
5) the first ever All India Radio Station in the State in 1966.
The early promoters for the shifting of capital from Shillong
(the then NEFA), underlined Pasighat as the apparent choice
under the new preference. One of the strong reasons given by the
officials was the above leading relative infrastructural
development in the whole of the state. However, because of the
then over-crafty marks and the self-crowned top dogs, the
privilege was lost with a serious disgust to the present capital
Itanagar. Since that catastrophe of 1974, Pasighat has failed to
yield its lost tempo of modernization; nevertheless it has
embarked as the new intellectual center of the entire state.
The only renown development in Pasighat that came after the 1974
catastrophe was in the form of the College of Horticulture and
Forestry Central Agriculture University which was founded on
March 7, 2001. |
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Culture of Parsighat |
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The
people of Pasighat celebrate a variety of festivals. The Mopin
and Solung are two important festivals here. Mopin is a festival
that is celebrated to drive away all the evil spirits which are
believed to bring bad luck. The locals pray that the nuisance
shadows are not allowed and that any kind of natural calamity is
avoided. The deity that is worshiped is the deity of welfare and
wisdom. It is held for five days in the month of April. Locals
celebrate this festival before sowing paddy. Popir is a popular
dance that is danced during Mopin. This is a very graceful
dance.
Legend has it that the festival regarded as Solung, which is the
principle festival of the Adis, came into its memorable
existence when the Goddess of wealth, Kine-Kane had asked them
in person to carry out this worship or 'puja'. Although there
are a lot of theories that vouch for its beginning but this one
is the most widely recognized and accepted.The songs that are
sung during Solung are the words of Solung Abung that show the
life of animals, humans and plants.Solung is celebrated by the
Adis for five days in the month of August.The first day or the
Solung Gidi Dogin is the day when they prepare for this event.
Doreph Long, the second day is the day of animal slaughters.
Binayat Binam or the third day is the day of prayers. Yaktor of
Ekoph is the fourth day and on this day arms and ammunition are
manufactured. Miri or the fifth day is the day of farewell.
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Tourist Attractions in Parsighat |
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Pasighat is the land of the mighty Siang and local hanging
bridges. Round cane rings, swinging threads, shattered
wooden streets hanging above the impressive Siang makes it
a picture ideal moment of excitement and adventure.
The amusing waterfall graces the mountain cliffs and
chills the area. The musical tumbling sound of the water,
the cool breezes procreating from the waterfall dips down
the temperature. The songs of the birds, the smells of the
forest after the rains are simply overwhelming. The places
of attraction in the town are:
Kekar Monying
A mountain cliff near Rottung is an important
historical place because it was here that the Adi put up a
strong conflict against the British in 1911. The war was a
part of a punitive expedition undertaken by the British
for murdering Noel Williamson, a political officer in the
previous year by Matmur Jamoh, a native of Yagrung
village.
Komsing
A village on the left bank of the Siang is the place
of Williamson's murder. A stone epitaph bearing the name
of Noel. Williamson still lies near the Siang. Gomsi, a
cultivation area near Rani Village is another place of
historical significance. In June, 1996 a team of
archaeologists led by Shri T. Tada, Deputy Director,
Archaeology of the Research Department conducted a trial
excavation and survey in the site. They have found broken
pieces of different evidence, of magnificent past culture
of early medieval period.
Pangin
Pangin is located at a distance of about 60 km from
Pasighat, and is linked by road. It stands at a point
where River Siyom meets River Siang and presents a rare
sight. The blue waters of Siom meet the green Sinag and
the beauty of the site is to be seen. The district is also
gifted with some beautiful scenic locations particularly
on both sides of the Siang. There are also a number of
rare plants and herbs which are of medicinal importance.
Zoologists and Botanists can have plenty of scope for
study of the rich plant and wildlife resources.
The Daying Ering Sanctuary
The Daying Ering Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, India
is one of the most famous wildlife parks of the state. It
Spreads over an area of 190 sq. km., alluvial grasslands
form the major area and wooded areas constitute about 15%.
The rest is water. |
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How to reach Parsighat |
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Pasighat by Rail
The nearest railway station to Pasighat is Murkong Selek in
Assam which is about 35 km away. From the station, tourists can
hire a taxi/cab or a bus to reach Pasighat.
Pasighat by Road
Pasighat is linked by roads from all cities of Arunachal Pradesh
and Assam. National Highway 52 passes through Pasighat make it
easily accessible to other cities. It is advisable to drive a
sturdy vehicle as the roads are quite rough and need
maintenance. Private and government buses are available from all
cities of Arunachal and from Guwahati in Assam to reach Pasighat.
Pasighat By Air
Flights will be available till the nearest airport, and the
nearest airport is in the town of Dibrugarh. The town of
Dibrugarh is one of the most well connected places in the whole
state with a major airport and a major railway station as well.
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