Itanagar, Dec 30: Arunachal Pradesh on Monday marked a historic milestone in sustainable tourism with the inauguration of India’s first-ever Sunrise Festival at Dong, the country’s easternmost village, located in Anjaw district.
The five-day festival, which began on December 29, 2025, will conclude on January 2, 2026.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the event at Dong Valley, underscoring the state government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The festival opened with sacred Meyor rituals, during which prayers were offered to forest and mountain spirits and local deities, reflecting the deep spiritual connection of the indigenous communities with nature.
Sharing glimpses of the event on social media, Chief Minister Khandu said the Sunrise Festival has been 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.
A decade from now, the goal is to see this festival grow while strictly following the principle of ‘leave no trash, leave no trace,’” he stated, adding that the initiative holds immense potential for Anjaw district and the state as a whole.
Dong village is widely known as the place where India witnesses its first sunrise each day, giving it unique geographical and symbolic significance.
The Sunrise Festival is envisioned as a community-driven celebration of culture, nature, and adventure, highlighting the region’s pristine landscapes and rich traditions.
The festival programme includes traditional sunrise ceremonies, cultural performances by local communities from across Arunachal Pradesh, guided nature walks and treks, river-based activities, eco-camping, village tours, photography expeditions, workshops, folk art and craft sessions, and local food showcases.
More than a cultural celebration, the Sunrise Festival is being positioned as a step towards responsible and sustainable tourism.
By emphasising environmental conservation and cultural awareness, the initiative aims to establish Dong as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences in India’s largely untouched eastern Himalayas.
