Shopping in Northeast India: Things to buy from Arunachal Pradesh

  04 May, 2022  |    Vismaya RK

Vishu Kani Items

Arunachal Pradesh, the Land of Dawnlit Mountains, one of the seven sisters of our country, is a place potent with stunning picturesque panoramas, culture, tribes, rich heritage, ancient prominence, and festivals. It sits on the epitome of Tibetan culture in India and celebrates many Tibetan festivals.

Because it is a naturally rich state, almost all the festivals are agriculturally linked. From culture to nature, the state has so much to offer that it would overwhelm the best of us. Its abounding tradition harbors numerous colorful and vibrant festivals. Come to know the bright and dynamic state that Arunachal Pradesh is with us through its unique festivals and culture.

Arunachal Pradesh is filled with tradition, culture, and a wide range of art forms. Get close to the lively state through bamboo household item, handwoven clothes by different tribes, Thanka painting, wooden masks and so much more. Get everything you order to your doorsteps anywhere in the world within 3-6 working days at affordable shipping rates.

1. Sanken Festival

Sanken is one of the most pious and religious festivals of the Khampti tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The natives celebrate it in February for three whole days, and on the first day, there is a lot of holiness in the air. The festival welcomes loud drums, songs, and a grand celebration. People eat wholesome vegetarian meals, and refrain from cutting trees, gambling, drinking alcoholic beverages, or anything immoral. The main ritual is to bathe the idol of Buddha and carefully place it back in the temple on the last day. Once this ritual is complete, people sprinkle water over each other and enjoy this festival. The festival ends with a grand community feast relished by everyone together.

2. The Losar Festival

Being one of the most significant festivals in the state, Losar is celebrated with pure joy and delight. It marks a new beginning for the Monpa tribe in February or early March every year. The preparations for the three-day-long festival start almost a month before. Kitchens are cleaned thoroughly, unique dishes are made, and a lot of decoration is done on the first day. The second day brings a lot of traditional activities like prayers in the monasteries, burning of firecrackers, and offerings to the monks to bring prosperity and joy. The last day is celebrated as the first day of the new year. People wake up early, wear traditional attires, wish each other and savor tasty Tibetan dishes like ''Kapse,'' ''Guthuk,'' special dumpling soups, and an alcoholic beverage known as ''chang.''

3. The Mopin Festival

One can quickly identify the festivities of the Mopin festival with a beautiful dance form performed by women adorned in traditional white attires creating unique rhythms and roaring sounds through their movements. This traditional dance form is the Popir dance form of Arunachal Pradesh. This agricultural festival is believed to bring good luck into the lives of the Galo Adi tribe. It is set off by smearing white rice powder on each other's faces. This auspicious five days long festival is celebrated in April. An exceptional beer, known as ''Apong'', is also served during this festival.

4. Solung Festival

Solung is yet another agricultural festival celebrated for ten days in the monsoon season. People dance, feast, sing, and enjoy during the festival. The first day consists of a grand feast with friends and family. On Ekob, the seventh day of the festival, people gather to make bows and arrows, then hang them in front of their houses. On the last day, people go to their fields and uproot dead or spoiled plants.

5. Nyokum Festival

The Nyishi tribe celebrates Nyokum festival to worship Goddess Nyokum to bless everyone with good health and prosperity. Many people gather to ask for the Goddess's blessings, protection, and good harvest. A bamboo structure known as ''Yugang'' is erected as a symbol of prayer. A traditional dance-drama, Nyem Khabnaam, war dance, bamboo dance, bamboo pole wrestling, tug of war, folk songs, etc., are performed by the people during the festival. Women clad in traditional attires known as Par Ej, while the men wear cotton attire known as the Eri Robs with a decorated bamboo cap.

6. Loku

Grand festivities with a bit of chill in the air mark the beginning of the Loku festival. The three days long celebration of the Nocte tribe welcomes the winter season. It is a significant festival for the male community members on the second day of the festival. They are acknowledged as the prominent members of the decision-making members of the family. Cultural dances and folk songs follow the next day.

Recommended Shopping List from Arunachal Pradesh

As different and unique as Arunachal Pradesh is, the markets are also on par with this originality. Striking wooden masks are one of the popular items tourists buy from this state as a souvenir. Skilled artisans carve these masks from wood to portray Gods, Goddesses, and demons, and monks use these masks in various religious activities. AONA Mahakala Wall Hanging Mask Snaps Kali MATA Face Goddess Maa Kali Idol Wall Hanging

Thanka paintings are the best choice to exhibit the spirituality of the Tibetan culture. They are Buddhist paintings with very detailed work and religious significance. Thangka Art Canvas Painting for Home and Office Handmade Silk Nairatmya Thanka Painting

The state's traditional attire includes shawls, skirts, and wraps. The womenfolk of the territory wear these weaves in different colors. Acrylic Motifs Maxi Skirt From Tripura The Tribal North-East Wrap Skirt

Ornaments in Arunachal Pradesh have a subtle charm to them. Most of them are handmade using colorful beads and threaded into different stunning patterns. MONPA NECKLACE (FROM ARUNACHAL PRADESH) NYISHI NECKLACE (ARUNACHAL PRADESH)

The bamboo industry of the state is ever flourishing. Most household items like utensils, baskets, furniture, hats, jewelry, lamps, lanterns, etc., are made of bamboo. Bamboo mug Decorrizz India Cane/Bamboo Floor Basket Shaped Lantern Set

Arunachal Pradesh still stands tall, preserving its heritage and culture through myriad festivals and art. Bring home its essence and culture from India through Shoppre. Shop from Arunachal Pradesh for wooden masks, Thanks paintings, bamboo mugs, skirts, etc. Its opulent wealth of art will surely add a touch of culture and heritage to your home.

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