Sunrise Festival Dawns in Arunachal to Boost Local Livelihoods & Eco-Tourism

Sharing details in a post on X, the Chief Minister said the festival has been conceived with a long-term vision to create meaningful livelihood opportunities for local communities while encouraging responsible tourism practices.

"Declared open the 5-day Sunrise Festival at Dong. 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," Khandu said in the post.

He further added that the festival aims to grow steadily over the years while adhering strictly to the principle of 'leave no trash, leave no trace'.

"A decade from now, the goal is to see this festival grow while strictly following the principle of 'leave no trash, leave no trace.' It holds immense potential for the Anjaw district and Arunachal Pradesh as a whole," he said.

The Sunrise Festival celebrates this unique identity by inviting the world to experience the first rays of the sun as they touch the Indian soil.

The Sunrise Festival 2025-26 is envisioned as a vibrant convergence of communities, artists, explorers, scholars, and travellers from across India and around the world, celebrating new beginnings from the land where the day begins for the nation.

The five-day festival marks a landmark initiative to position Arunachal Pradesh as a global destination for nature, culture, adventure, heritage, and New Year celebrations led by the sun.

Nestled in the remote Anjaw district at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, Dong holds immense geographical, cultural, and strategic significance.

Home to the indigenous Meyor tribe, a small, indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh known for its simplicity and connection to nature, the Dong valley symbolises India's first dawn at the easternmost corner -both literally and metaphorically.

- ANI