ITANAGAR, Jul 5: Dree, a major agricultural festival of the Apatani community, was celebrated across the State today with traditional fervour and gaiety.
The 36th Hong Dree festival was celebrated at Hanoko Dree ground, Hong village in Lower Subansiri district. Addressing the mammoth gathering, Health & Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge lauded the Apatani community for maintaining age-old tradition and culture.
The Minister stressed on maintaining the mythology of cultural and traditional practice of the community from Abotani days. He was impressed by the mode of celebration of Dree festival. He also appealed to the youths of the State to maintain the “Pan-Arunachal” thought process to keep the State as a peace loving one, and therefore, taking it to the "pinnacle" of development.
He informed the gathering that Arunachal Pradesh tops the chart in female cancer patients, while Mizoram leads the States with the highest male cancer patients. In view of such a devastating health scenario in the North Eastern Region of India, the State government under the able leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu has decided to establish a Cancer Hospital at Yupia in Papum Pare district for the ease of treatment.
On the occasion, Wahge also appeal to the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes’ Forum (AITF) and CBOs to carry forward the concept of communal harmony in the State, referring to his participation in Nyishi-Apatani Summit – 2015 at Ziro, which was an eye opener for other CBOs to emulate.
MLA cum Advisor to Minster Home and Education Mutchu Mithi, MLA cum Advisor to Minister WRD Hayeng Mangfi, AITF (HQs) vice president Tarh Tabin, 36th Hong Dree Festival Celebration Committee chairman Takhe Taling, and secretary Tapi Habung also spoke on the occasion.
The prizes and trophies were given away by the dignitaries to the winners of cultural competitions, games and sports, literary activities and also to academic achievers and achievers in various fields including UPSC exams.
On the occasion, the dignitaries also distributed two bicycles to the selected toppers of Govt Sec School, Hong and PM Shri Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Abasia Vidyalaya, Siro - donated by Punyo Kaya Manu Foundation, Hong.
Cultural extravaganza and dozens of food stalls were an added attraction to the visitors and dignitaries in the Hong Dree festival celebration.
Staff Reporters adds: The Apatani community celebrated their agricultural festival, Dree, with great enthusiasm, ritualistic fervour, and cultural grandeur at the Dree Ground, Naharlagun on Saturday.
Dree, one of the most significant festivals of the Apatani tribe, is celebrated annually to seek divine blessings for a bountiful harvest and protection against drought and famine. The event brought together people from diverse communities, reflecting Arunachal Pradesh’s spirit of unity in diversity.
Attending the celebration, local MLA Techi Kaso lauded the Apatani community as “a well-informed, highly educated, and officer-driven society” that has made notable contributions to the state's development.
Emphasizing the role of festivals in preserving indigenous heritage, he said, “Our identity is rooted in our culture. If we lose our culture, we lose our identity. Each tribe in Arunachal must protect its heritage while embracing unity.”
Kaso also praised the organisers for promoting cultural harmony and encouraged the youth to remain connected to their roots, while acknowledging the Apatani community’s strong social values and discipline.
Deputy Commissioner of Itanagar Capital Region, Toko Babu, along with the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of Naharlagun and Itanagar, Dr Nyelam Nega and Jummar Basar, also graced the event.
Earlier, the celebrations began with the hoisting of the Dree flag and the rendition of the Dree anthem, followed by the ceremonial reading of the Dree mythology, which outlines the festival’s spiritual significance. The day was filled with traditional rituals, folk songs, cultural performances, and dances, all of which showcased the rich heritage of the Apatani people.
Adding a creative touch to the celebration, the Popi Sarmi Society released a new audio album. The Apatani Career Guidance Forum also felicitated meritorious students for their academic achievements.
DAPORIJO: The Apatani residents of Upper Subansiri district in general and Daporijo in particular celebrated the Dree festival 2025 with much fanfare at the bungalow of Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo here today.
Local MLA cum Adviser to Minister RD & PR Taniya Soki attended the festival ‘with pest free and bumper harvest’ as chief guest along with Mridul, Superintendent of Police Upper Subansiri, in presence of Apatani “Mabos”, HoDs, Panchayat leaders and the general public.
The celebration was spearheaded by the DC along with his better half as patron and the chairmanship of Dani Tassang and Gyati Nobin as general secretary.
The grand celebration was attended by prominent senior citizens of Apatani community, including Nani Chailyang (SE, PWD), Myobia Tai (ADC Kodako), Tasso Duri (CO Limeking & Taksing), Duyu Lampung (DSO), and Tasso Anda (TO), among others.
The revelers took part in the celebration wholeheartedly and showcased various cultural events, right from folk dances to modern dances.
NAMSAI: The silver jubilee celebration of the Dree Festival in Namsai was observed with great fervour and cultural grandeur today, marking 25 vibrant years of unity, heritage, and Apatani identity in the region.
The event was graced by local MLA Zingnu Namchoom as chief guest, and Namsai Deputy Commissioner C R Khampa as guest of honour. Among the other distinguished attendees were Nang Urmila Mancheykhun (ZPC Namsai), P N Khrimey, IGP (Eastern Range), Sangey Thinley (SP Namsai), Radhe Raja (Chairman NDFC), Punyo Tangu (vice president TSD) and other guests along with a large gathering of Apatani brethren and well-wishers.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the Dree flag and the rendition of the Dree anthem, followed by the traditional “Taku” cutting ceremony. The gathering was then taken through the rich mythology and history behind the observance of the Dree Festival, tracing its origins to the legendary Ane Donii and Aba Liibo.
A souvenir “Roots & Rhythms of Dree: A Silver Saga from Namsai” marking 25 years of Dree in Namsai was released on the occasion, highlighting the journey, contributions, and spirit of the Apatani community in the district. Vibrant cultural performances like Daminda, Piiri dance brought colour and rhythm to the celebration, reflecting the strong cultural roots of the community. (With inputs from DIPROs)