Mar 30, 2010

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has been divided into 15 districts and has Itanagar as its capital. Its economy is mostly agricultural. The forest-products are the next most significant sector of the economy. Its service sector boasts of Real Estate, Consultancies, Travel and Tourism, and Construction. It has many hotels to cater to the needs of tourists.

Its unspoiled environment is also a source of attraction for tourists. It has airports located at Itanagar, Daparijo, Ziro, Along, Tezu and Pashigat. It has two highways: NH 52 connecting Jonai with Dirak and another, which connects Tezpur in Assam with Tawang.

Area : 83,743 sq. km
Population : 1,097,968
Capital : Itanagar
Principal Languages : Monpa, Miji, Aka, Sherdukpen, Nyishi, Apatani, Tagin, Hill Miri, Adi, Digaru-Mismi, Idu-Mishmi, Khamti, Miju-Mishmi, Nocte, Tangsa and Wancho.


Agriculture and Horticulture


Agriculture is the mainstay of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, and had mainly depended on jhum cultivation. Encouragement is being given to the cultivation of cash crops like potatoes and horticulture crops like apples, oranges and pineapples.

Industries and Minerals


For conservation and explorations of vast minerals, the APMDTCL were set up in 1991. Namchik-Namphuk coal fields are taken up by APMDTCL. To provide training to craftsmen in different trades, there are five Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) functioning in the state at Roing, Tabarijo, Dirang, Yupia & Miao. ITI Yupia, located at Papum Pare District it is the only ITI exclusive to Women in Arunachal Pradesh.

Cities of Arunachal Pradesh


Itanagar: Its is capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Tourists can visit many places of interest here which are evidences of glorious past of the state. Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, The Buddhist Temple, Ganga Lake (Gyaker Sinyi), The State Museum and Polo Park are of prime attraction.

Tawang: This region is a home of the Monpa tribes and a prominent place of the Mahayana Buddhists sect. The city is famous for the oldest Buddhist monastery or Gompa locally called as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse' overlooking the vale of Tawang. It is just perfect for adventure sports like trekking and hiking.

Basar: It is census town and a shelter for tribal communities like Adi, Memba and Khamba. You can visit the popular Tibetan Buddhist temple, Mechuka Gompa here.

Bomdila: If you want to relax in the lap of nature visit Bomdila where you get to see the illustrious landscape, mountains wearing a scarf of snow, apple groves, pleasant weather, affectionate people and Buddhist Monasteries. This terrain is apt for trekking and hiking expeditions. Check out the Crafts Center manufacturing finest of the carpets with unique hues and motifs.

Bhalukpong / Tipi: A botanical delight, an orchidarium at Tipi, showcases 300 species of flora and fauna. Turbulent water falls, Perennially fresh forests, and lavish expanse gives opportunity for photo adventure. The rambling Kameng river is hot spot for white water rafting and angling.

TawangMalinithan: This legendary land located in the Siang foothills is associated with Lord Krishna. A number of pilgrims flock to this place revering this dilapidated temple site. The classical Akashi Ganga waterfalls, exotic view of titanic Brahmaputra River and its tributaries attracts many tourists.

Ziro: Picturesque Ziro is located on the Apatani Plateau. It becomes a tourist attraction with its exquisite landscapes and tribal culture. Do not miss out on visiting Tarin, the high-altitude fish farm, the famous whispering pine grove and the craft centre. Enjoy watching sunrise from the hilltop where the sun rays touch you to make you fell the awe of nature.

Fairs and Festivals


The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the moments of life by observing various fairs and festivals. Each tribe has its own festival associated with husbandry and to seek blessings from God, to pay Him gratitude of good harvest. Some of the important festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyat-Sowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Mol, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu. These festivals are celebrated by folk tribal dance and music. Few festivals of relative importance are the Festivals of Apatani (Myokoh, Dree and Murung), Festivals of Nishi (Siron Molo Socham, Nyokum, Yulo), Festivals of Monpa (Losar, Jomu and Chosker), Festivals of Adi (Mopin and Solung), Festivals of Idu (Reh), Festivals of Bangni (Mlokom yulo and other festivals), Festivals of Tazin (Si-Doni), Festivals of Hill Miri (Boori Boot ).

The 'Solung' festival of 'Adis' is a five day feast for seeking happiness and prosperity. It is celebrated in order to have a plentiful harvest, to raise more mithuns and pigs and also to be free from natural casualties and calamities. Celebrated by the Gallong community of Adis there is another festival 'Mopin' to avoid natural calamities, epidemics evil effects of bad spirits and for good yield, health, wealth and prosperity. A grand celebration lasts for five days in the month of April.

The important festivals of 'Monpas', Losar and Chosker, are to observe the commencement of the new year in the former and reading the holy scriptures in the latter. Then the religious books are taken to the fields in a procession for good harvest. Each festival of these traibl communities is unioque wqaty of expressing their gratitude and offering humble prayer.

Dance and Music


Dance and music is synonymous to the jubilating spirit in the state. It is an essential part of each tribe of Arunachal. Men and women, young and old all take part this affair of celebration. People dance on certain occasions, rituals, festivals or simply for vegging out. You can find many folk dances in Arunachal Pradesh as Aji Lamu (Monpa), Roppi (Nishing), Buiya (Nishing), Hurkani (Apatani), Popir (Adi), Pasi Kongki (Adi), Chalo (Nocte), Ponung (Adi), Rekham Pada (Nishing), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa). These songs are best accompanied by folk songs sung by the people in a chorus and the musical instrument played like drums and cymbals.

Flora and Fauna


The state takes pride in its rich legacy of flora and fauna. The floristics diversity owes to the wide range of forests. The topographical and climatic conditions lay grounds for rich flora and fauna in the state.

Tourist Circuits


There are Six main travel circuits in Arunachal Pradesh. These are as:
Tezpur-Bomdila-Tawang
Itanagar- Ziro- Daporjio-Along-Pashighat
Pashighat- Jenging – Yingkiong
Dibrugarh – Roing – Anini
Tinsukia – Tezu – Hauliang
Margerita – Miao - Namdhapa