Culture and Religion of Arunachal Pradesh

Culture and Religion of Arunachal Pradesh



There are about 25 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area with unique cultural heritage of their own ancestors. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from an original common stock but geographical isolation from each other has brought among them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and costumes.

Broadly, the people may be divided into three cultural groups on the basis of their socio-religious affinities. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition of for their religious fervor, the villages of these communities have richly decorated Buddhist temples, locally called the Gompa.Though largely agriculturist practising terrace cultivation, many of these people are also pastoral and breed herds of Yak and mountain sheep. Culturally similar to them are Membas of Siang belt who live in the high mountains along the northern borders. Khamptis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the State are also Buddhists of  are said to have migrated from Thailand and Myanmar long ago and the Khamptis still use ancient scripts derived from their original homeland.

The second group of people include - Mijis, Akas, Nyishis, Tagins, Apatanis, Adis, Galos, Mishmis etc. who worship the Sun and Moon God, namely Donyi-Polo. They worship their God in Neydar Namlo, Medar Nelo, Dere etc. Abo-Tani is the original ancestor for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals, largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles. They invoke nature deities and make animal sacrifices. They traditionally practise jhuming or shifting cultivation. These tribes also extensively practise wet-rice cultivation and have a considerable agricultural economy.

The third group comprises Noctes, Wanchos, Tangsa, Tutsa etc of Changlang and Tirap district. They are hardy people. Noctes and Wanchos strictly follow their structured village society in which the hereditary system of village chief still play a vital role. The Noctes also practise elementary form of  Tangsas worship their God in Rangfrah mandir.

Some Arunachalees have adopted Christianity and Hinduism as their religion. Despite their religious practice4s, these group keep the traditions they are belonged to, like participation in the festivals.