With a schedule of cultural events and adventurous activities, visitors may welcome the New Year in Dong, the first hamlet in India to see the sunrise. According to organisers on Thursday, the inaugural Sunrise Festival would bring together artists, adventurers, intellectuals, and tourists from all across India and overseas from December 29 to January 2.
According to the Meyor tribe, Dong, which is situated in the isolated Anjaw district close to the India-China-Myanmar tri-junction, is renowned for being the first location in India to see daybreak. They stated that the five-day community-led event, which will commemorate the nation’s first dawn of the New Year, will highlight Arunachal Pradesh as a destination for adventure, nature, culture, and sustainable tourism.
Traditional sunrise ceremonies, cultural performances by communities from all over the state, guided hikes, nature walks, river activities, eco-camping, village tours, photography expeditions, workshops, folk art and craft sessions, and local food showcases are just a few of the events that will take place.
With the slogan of “No Trash, No Trace, No Excuses,” the event will adhere to a stringent sustainability strategy, encouraging eco-friendly habits and responsible travel, according to the organisers.
On January 1, a morning commitment will also be administered, according to them. According to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the event would showcase the rich legacy of indigenous communities while highlighting Dong’s special status as India’s easternmost point and providing tourists with a unique combination of nature, culture, and adventure.
The initiative’s goals, according to Khandu, are to promote sustainable tourism, provide locals with employment possibilities, and position Dong as a symbol of India’s physical and cultural uniqueness on the world travel map.
According to authorities, the festival is anticipated to become a landmark event for Northeast India, showcasing the area’s natural beauty, cultural variety, and dedication to ecotourism.
Dong is situated on the left bank of the Lohit River, 7 km from Walong, and is encircled by pine forests and snow-capped mountains. The closest train station is in Tinsukia, Assam, about 300 kilometres away, and the closest airport is in Tezu, about 200 kilometres away. To get to the settlement from there, tourists must take the road.
