Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

October 23, 2017October 25, 2024 by rawan239

Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

HandiCrafts

Indian words for handicrafts are commonly hastkala, hastshilp, dastkari, karigari, all meaning handiwork, but they also refer to objects made with craftsmanship, i.e., specialised skills of the hands which are also artistic.
The aesthetic content is an intrinsic part of such objects and means the object of utility has a value that goes beyond mere usage and is also pleasing to the eye.
Crafts are closely related to concept of form, pattern, design, usage, and these lead to its total aesthetic quality.
Arunachal Pradesh is the home to a large number of tribes and sub-tribes.
It has a rich tradition of craftsmenship, which manifests itself in various arts and crafts produced by these tribes.
The Buddhist including Monpas, Sherdukpen, Aka, Bugun et al make beautiful masks, carpets and painted wooden vessels.
The Bangis and Apatani make bag, hat, jewellery etc. Khamtis and Wanchos are well known for their wood carving. Pottery of Dafla women is well-known.
The significance is usually associated with the gonzo of tradition as people here defines their tribal community through oral handicrafts and each community has set of different things to offer which could be seen as great souvenir and could be compared as distinct from others.

Pottery Crafting of Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

It is another area of craft where local have excelled with great fluency, the perfect exhibition of utility of clay could be examine through pots beside that design and amulets in pot would make the entire scene very defining with full of expression.
Dafla women are skilled in this craft.
The legend is that Abo Takam was the first Dafla potter and from him the art passed on to the women.
The process involves pounding a specific kind of earth called dekam on a big stone with a wooden hammer. When it turns into powder, water is mixed and it is hammered till it gains the required softness.
Finished pots are not subjected to any polishing or burnishing. They are carefully kept in the shade while drying.
When completely dry, they are put in a fire out-side the house. There are no kilns or pot-ovens, though a ditch, if available, makes it convenient to put burning firewood over the pots.

Cane and Bamboo Work of Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

The cane and Bamboo industry dominates the front of handicraft sector here at Arunachal.
The bamboo and cane is associated with life of people as most of the domestic and household products are made out of bamboo.
The grand utilization of it could be trace through utensils, bamboo hat, basket, cane vessel; cane belts, woven and lain, bamboo mugs etc beside that ornaments and jewellery are other important parts of Bamboo work.

Weapons of Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

Weapons are an integral part of the tribal life since the times immemorial.
Although certain weapons have become obsolete and replaced by modern weapons yet traditional weapons have a place of their own.
Weapons are used in war and chase and day to day task. All such weapons are produced locally.
The most important weapon of Akas is bow and arrow, known by the names of tkeri and moo respectively, and used extensively in the chase.
Weapons may vary in size according to the user`s requirement.
The bigger ones used in hunting are fitted with tips of iron and smeared with aconite poison. The bows are usually hung over the shoulders while the arrows are carried in a case of bamboo called Thouvou.
Another weapon, orignally of war but now of defence, is a kind of crude harpoon, one end of which is barbed with sharp iron nails. It is hurled at the target from a distance.
The most common weapon used both in war and peace is the dao.
It is of extensive use to the people in their day-to-day task such as cutting wood and bamboo pieces, clearing shrubs and other growth in the forest etc. It is made of steel and is usually covered with bamboo sheath when not in use. The local term for dao is wetz
Like Akas, Pailibos also use different kinds of weapon.
They keep it in a special place. Some of the weapons used by them are as follows-

UYI-A bamboo bow with a cane string.
UPUK-A bamboo arrow without an iron tip or a poison.
MORA-A bamboo arrow with an iron tip.
GEB-BU-A quiver made from hollow bamboo with a bamboo lid.
NYIBU-A pointed spear with long wooden pole and iron blade. It has a shaft made of a long pole of dry and hard wood. Below the metal head there is tuft of yak or horse hair.
YOKSE-A big steel dao or sword.
SOTAM-A shield made of bamboo and cane.
CHOBUK-It is a sheath for the dao or medium size dagger made from cane and strengthened with pieces of wooden strips.
EG-GYI-An iron axe used for felling trees and for slaughtering mithuns during sacrifice

Carpet Making of Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

The Carpet Making is a manifest of Monpas, the Buddhist community living in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Monpas are expert in this process and the weave carpet with essence of design makes it more eclectic and cultural.
The religious expression finds true meaning in their works as geometrical progression moves from one angle to angle to portray the figures of dragons and floral patterns.
The carpet at present is high on demand as people around asking for it which in turn have graph the production to large scale.

Wood Carving of Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

Wood carving is one of the oldest tradition carried by locals of Arunachal Pradesh and again Monpas, the Buddhist community of the state is leading the front by making an ample use of their talent and understanding in carving and designing an element to a different level.
The grand example of wood carving could be trace through beautiful cups, wooden mask, etc.
Khamptis, another legion of tribal community is specifically renowned for wood carving and their idea of chiselling the woods is bit different as they craft religious figures, toys and other objects.
Wood carving is a tradition with some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Monpas, Khamtis, Wanchos, Phom, Konyak tribes occupy significant place in this art.
Wood carving like in the case of Nagaland finds expression mainly under three categories;firstly, with head hunting, secondly with the decoration of the morungs or men`s youth dormitory and thirdly, the funerary images erected for warriors and other important person.
In carving of the human figure, special attention is paid to the head. The features are carved in low relief and are fairly realistic.
Usually the image depicting a warrior is decorated with special cowerie belt and several other artefacts.
The top of the head is rounded and usually has some indication of hair-cut.
Tattoo marks are carefully represented, and most figures are dressed up with little bits of cloth and even ornaments with tufts on head or beads in the ear.

Weaving

Weaving is the occupation of the womenfolk throughout the territory.
They have an excellent sense of colour.
The basic colours that dominate the weaves are black, yellow, dark blue, green and scarlet – all put together in the most fascinating combinations.
Originally natural dyes were used which today have given way to synthetic dyes.
The designs are essentially geometric varying from a formal arrangement to lines and bands.
Items that could make excellent buys are Sherdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, jackets and bags, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets; and Wancho bags.

Ornaments Making of Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

Ornaments making is a craft widely practised in Arunachal Pradesh.
The work of a silver smith is more intricate and artistic.
The first stage in the manufacture of the traditional ornaments he makes, is to make a wax mould of the ornament.
This is done by warming the wax sticks or coils and then placing them on the standard moulds made of wax and wood.
Where designs are essential, they are made with thin wax coils and cut with a knife where necessary.
Scion of ornaments are another significant arts carried by local people of Arunachal, the layer of colours are usually the main highlights but implantation of beads is the complex idea that needs special attention.
Beside the game of colours, the feather of birds is used to add more spark to their ornaments.
The Akas tribe of Arunachal makes bamboo bangles and ear rings beside that they design pucker work.

Ivory and Metal Craft of Handicrafts of Arunachal Pradesh

Ornaments made of brass, bone, ivory, silver and gold are also crafted – using a set of simple tools – by many of the tribes here.
The Monpas and Sherdukpens are well known as traditional silver smiths and even supply silver ornaments to other tribal groups – the Khowas, Mijis and Akas.
The Nishis and Sulungs have perfected the art of brass smithy. They dexterously craft ornaments, dishes, sacred bells and smoking pipes out of this metal.
The Khamptis work mainly in gold, iron, silver and ivory, though their products were mainly meant for use within their own tribe.
Because of the abundant availability of cane and wood in Arunachal, pottery never gained popularity.
Another reason for its relative under development is the nonavailability of suitable clay in this region. However, several tribes like the Monpas, Sherdukpens, Apatanis, Nlishis, Noctes, Wanchos, Adis, Khampas and Mombas practise for art.
Among the pottery work, the beautiful clay images of Lord Buddha made by the Monpas, Mombas and Khampas are specially mentionable.

Other Crafts

Paper making, smithy work, carpentry, pottery and ivory work are the other crafts practiced by the Arunachalis.
The Monpas make paper locally, from pulp of trees called Sukso or the paper trees.
This hand made paper is used for writing religious prayers on them. Hunting, fishing also form the subsidiary occupations

Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh

October 23, 2017October 23, 2024 by rawan239

Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh

The art refers to the theory and physical expression of creativity found in human societies and cultures from Ancient Time in India. Major constituents of the arts include

Literature – including poetry, novels and short stories, and epic poetry;
Performing arts – among them music, dance, and theatre; and
Visual arts – including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, sculpting, and architecture – the art of designing and constructing buildings

Performing Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh

The performing Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh domain of intangible cultural heritage includes vocal and instrumental music, dance, theatre, pantomime, sung verse and beyond.
This domain is inseparably related with other intangible cultural heritage domains; like music is an integral part of many other domains of intangible cultural heritage including rituals, festive events or oral traditions.
Music can be performed in any situations: marriages, funerals, rituals, festivities etc. Diverse contexts, many dimensions or varied performing occasions make music universal.
Dance illustrates specific events or daily acts, such as religious dances, hunting or warfare dance etc. The rhythmic movements, steps and gestures of dance express sentiments and moods.
Traditional theatre performances generally combine acting, singing, dancing, dialogue, narration or recitation but may also include puppetry or pantomime.
Traditional theatres play crucial roles in culture and society and they are more than simply ‘performances’ for the audiences.
The performing arts of Arunachal Pradesh are vivaciously colorful. They dance for merriment, festive & rituals, and wars or even for funeral.
The dances, performed by the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, have been broadly divided into four groups.
The first group is the ritual dances which are a part of a ritual. This group may again be divided into five subgroups.
The first subgroup of the ritual dances includes those dances which are performing to secure prosperity, good health and happiness of the dancer, his family, village or the whole community in various rituals.
The second subgroup comprises those dances performed in ceremonies related to agriculture and domestication of animals to secure a good harvest and increase of domestic animals respectively.
The third subgroup is associated with the funeral ceremony when the soul is prevented from hunting its old house and guided by the priest to its abode in the land of the dead.
It is generally believed that if the soul returns to its old home, the family suffers diseases and deaths.
The fourth subgroup consists of the fertility dances where the imitation of the movements of coition is believed to promote fertility.
War dances make the fifth subgroup, which are on the decline with the stoppage of the internecine feuds and raids. The war dance used to be prevalent among almost all the non-Buddhist tribes.

Traditional craftsmanship of Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh

Perhaps the most tangible manifestation of intangible cultural heritage is traditional craftsmanship, though it is mainly concerned with the skills and knowledge involved in craftsmanship rather than the craft products themselves.
The objects are varied in form and type- from delicate, detailed art to rugged and sturdy tasks and from used for a short time, such as for festive events to the objects that are passed from generation to generation.
There are numerous forms of traditional craftsmanship: tools; clothing and jewellery; costumes and props for festivals and performing arts; storage containers, objects used for storage, transport and shelter; decorative art and ritual objects; musical instruments, household utensils and toys, both for amusement and education.
The people of Arunachal Pradesh present an extraordinary tradition of artistic craftsmanship which manifests itself through their various products.
From the perspective of art and crafts, the region may be divided into three zones.
The Buddhist tribes include in the first zone, the second cultural zone occupies the central part from East kameng to Lohit and the third zone is formed by the south-eastern part of the state.
A variety of crafts i.e. weaving, painting, pottery, smithy work, wood carving, bamboo-work and cane-work are practiced by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
The people of the first zone make beautiful masks. Beautiful woolen carpets, woolen and yak-hair caps, shoes, painted wooden vessels and silver articles are the specialties of the Monpas.
They are also experts at dyeing and painting. Wooden masks are made by the Khambas and Membas.
In the second zone, the people are skilled in cane and bamboo work.
The Nyishis, Apatanis, Hill Miris and Adis make beautiful articles from these materials, like Hats of different sizes and shapes, various kinds of baskets and a variety of cane belts and necklaces.
The people of the third zone, i.e., the Khamptis, Wanchos, Noctes are famous for their wood carving work. The Khamptis make beautiful religious images, toys and other objects.
The Noctes and Wanchos make beautiful strings of beads with attractive patterns and carve beautiful bamboo pipes and human and animal figures.
Making silver ornaments is the specialitiy of the Idu Mishmis of Dibang Valley.
The shawls and jackets of the Apatanis, the Adi skirts or gales, jackets and shoulder bags and the Mishmi coats and shawls are reflective of the weaving talents and artistic sense of these people.

Handloom Making Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh

Handloom also forms an integral part of the rich art and craft and for most of women in the state, it is the primary occupation.

Women of 20 tribes and 100 sub-tribes in Arunachal work to manufacture products like skirt (Gale), shirt (Galuk) , cotton shawl, side bag, curtain cloth in different patterns, quality, traditional value, motive and design. Paintings is yet another important art that Arunachal Pradesh is proud of.
A special type of painting called Tangkha is prevalent in Buddhist dominated areas of the state like Tawang, West Kameng, and Upper Siang Districts.
The motif of these paintings is mainly a religious subject or that of a traditional value. Carpet weaving in Arunachal is mostly seen in the regions same as that of the painting making.
The carpets of the state has been acclaimed to be of National & International repute, which definitely adds a feather in the cap of Arunachal.
Apart from carpets, wall hanging , cushion pad, telephone pad, floor covering etc. are also handmade in the state.
One of the unique items coming from Arunachal is the Wangcho Bag, which is handmade by the women folk of Wangcho tribe of Tirap District.
Cotton and acrylic yarn is used for weaving the colourful geometrical pattern on the bag. Today, apart from the the trademark bags, the weavers are designing and different utilities like ladies and gents waist coat and dresses as well.
The Wangcho women also make grass necklaces with the help of seasonal reed that is found on river banks.
Along with this, necklace wristband, waist band , head gear and earring are also made in the Tirap district.

Famous Tangkha painting of Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh Tangkha painting is one of the most artistic craft; it is prevalent mainly in Buddhist dominated area like Tawang, West Kameng and Upper Siang Districts.

The motif of the painting is mostly religious subject along with traditional value.
It is a traditional form of Tibetan Buddhist art. Learning this craft can take three years and is part of a monk’s education.
Monks who have left monastic life can continue painting Tangkhas in craft centers like in Bomdila.

Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

October 23, 2017October 6, 2024 by rawan239

Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Festivals are plentiful in Arunachal. Each tribe has its own festival, which provides a creative forum for expressing the distinctness of their art forms, dresses, designs, dance forms, musical instruments, etc.
The festivals are generally related to agricultural activities like sowing and harvesting.
There are collective rituals performed and celebrated in public by the community as a whole.
Both women and men dance during the festivals.
The songs of the festivals show that they are celebrated for the harmony and prosperity of the people and fertility of the land.
The women actively and publicly participate during the time of festivals, work in the fields and engage in the trade of buying and selling goods in the market without any discrimination or insecurity.
In recent times, the presence and participation of women in offices is also quite pre-ponderous. Some of the local festivals are—

‘Solung’ celebrated by the Adis in Siang and Dibang valley, ‘
Nyokom’ celebrated by Nyishis,
‘Mopin’ by Gallongs,
‘Lossar’ by Monpas,
‘Dree’ by Apatanis,
‘Loku’ by Noctes
‘Boori-Boot’ celebrated by the Hill Miris, etc.

Like the dance which takes place in all festivals, prayers and sacrifices are also common.
The indigenous dress, which is a product of local people’s long interaction with their ecological settings, makes the festivals exceedingly lively and colourful.
In Arunachal, Durga Puja, Vishwakarma Puja, Christmas, Baisakhi and Eid are also celebrated with equal zest and fervour, especially in urban centres like Pasighat, Ziro, Itanagar, Along, Tezu and Bomdila, where there is a visible presence of non-Arunachali population.
A common feature of all festivals, including tribal festivals is that while the festivals may be organised by the followers of a concerned faith, people from all walks of life participate in them enthusiastically.
This is a product of the co-habitation of innumerable tribes and sub-tribes in the region coupled with their distinct religious faiths, and above all their growing interaction with others in modern times.

Major Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Siang-River-Festival

The Siang River Festival is held to celebrate the communal harmony in Arunachal Pradesh.
Earlier this festival was celebrated in the form of Brahmaputra Darshan Festival in Tezu and Pasighat but since the year 2005, the festival is celebrated as Siang River Festival in places like Tuting, Yingkiong and Pasighat in the month of December each year.
It is one of the most popular festivals in Arunachal Pradesh and is an attempt to promote eco-tourism and offer a lot of adventure and fun activities like elephant race, traditional boat race, Didi – the mock war game of Mishmis, River rafting, Food Festivals, Folk dances, Cultural Shows, Hot air balloon & Para gliding and Exhibition of local model house.
Apart from this an exhibition of handloom and handicrafts by the different districts is also held.

Pangsau Pass Winter Festival

Pangsau-Pass-Winter-Festival is a modern day winter festival which started in the year 2007 and since then has been gaining a lot of popularity in the state.
This festival is celebrated in Nampong which is situated in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Pangsua Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) is a three-day fest that takes place in the month of January each year.
At this festival, the people of Arunchal Pradesh celebrate their extravagant ethnicity and perform folk dances and sing folk songs.
Also, handicraft and handloom articles from different parts of the state are put up for exhibition.
Along with displaying the variety of culture and tradition of Arunachal, PPWF offers a platform for the neighbouring country of Myanmar to exhibit its culture as well.
The festival conjoins the tribes of both North East and Myanmar and gives them the opportunity to showcase their culture and traditions to each other.

Ziro-Festival-of-Music

This festival is Arunachal’s own version of the Sunburn Festival.
Ziro Festival of Music is the biggest outdoor music festival in the state and is the most happening event in Arunachal Pradesh as well.
Music lovers from all over the state and the North East region gather at Ziro, where this festival takes place.
It is a four-day festival where the music lovers enjoy the performances of international and domestic music artists.
Folk acts from all across the North East are also organized; therefore it is a good opportunity to learn about the different cultures here.
People make merry and spend four unforgettable days at the Ziro Festival of Music.

Solung-festival

An agriculture festival, Solung is celebrated in the month of monsoon (July /August).
This 10 days festival is amongst the most famous festivals in North East India, especially celebrated by the Adi community in West Siang district, East Siang district, Lower Dibang Valley district, Upper Dibang Valley district and Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The date for the festival is different each year and is decided by Kebang or the village council keeping the convenience of the villagers in mind and once the date is fixed the preparation of the local beer Apong starts.
On the first day, the Indian Bison along with pigs are slaughtered in the early hours of the morning. On the second day, 1/3rd of the meat is distributed among the relatives; also a grand dinner feast is arranged for neighbours, women and children.
On the fourth day of the festival which is also called the Oinnyad, one of family member goes to the field and sacrifices a fowl especially for ‘Kine Nane’.
On the seventh day or Ekob, men assemble at the village dormitory known as ‘Mosup’ to make bows and arrows, which are then fastened on the doors of every house in the village.
On the tenth and final day of the festival, village people uproot the weak plants of paddy that get spoiled by worms and insects and this process is known as Irni.
This act is done in the hope that ‘Kine Nane’ (the Goddess) will drive away the worms and insects out of the fields.

Nyokum-festival

Nyokum is the festival of the Nyishi tribe and is celebrated for the harmony and prosperity of the people.
Nyokum is celebrated on the 28th of February every year in East Kemang district, Lower Subansiri district, Kurung Kummey district and Papumpar district.
The term Nyokum came from two words from the native dialect and can be broken as Nyok meaning Land and Kum meaning People.
It is a 2-day festival in which the Nyishi tribe enjoys singing, dancing and gathering up.
Men and women hold hands and form a circle to perform a traditional dance.
The major rituals are performed by the high priest and prayers are offered to the spirits to bring tranquility and prosperity to each household.

Lossar-Festival

It is the festival of the Monpa tribe in Arunachal Pradesh and is celebrated to welcome a new year.
Monpa is the dominating tribe of Tawang and West Kemang district; therefore one can consider Lossar as one of the major festivals here.
Tawang is amongst the most popular tourist attractions in North East India and visiting it during the festival is indeed the ideal time.
The festival falls usually in the month of February or in early March and lasts for about 8 to 15 days during which homes are cleaned, prayers are offered, religious flags are hoisted atop each house, holy scriptures are read and lamps with butter are lit in all the houses.
The local deity is also worshipped by the Monpas for the welfare of the society and the people. Losar is also the time to relish the taste of local made drinks and savour the traditional cuisine.

Dree-Festival

Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, Dree Festival is a crucial part of the Apatani tribe of Lower Subansiri district. Ziro is the ideal place to see the celebration of Dree.
During the festival people offer sacrifice of fowls, eggs and animals to the Gods and pray to the deities of Tamu, Metii, Danyi and Harniang.
Prayers are offered to God Tami so that he protects the plants from harmful pests and insects. Metii is worshipped for controlling of famine and epidemics.
Danyi, on the other hand is offered prayer for the protection and prosperity of mankind.
God Harniang is worshipped for ensuring the fertility of soil and preventing the paddy plants from getting dried. During the fest a local beer called Apong is prepared by each house.
The venue for the worship is decided by the high priest (Nyibu), which is often a placed near the paddy fields.

Boori-Boot-festival

This festival is the way to offer gratitude for successful harvest of the crops.
It is a 3 days festival that is celebrated by the Hill-Miris in the Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri district in the month of February (4 – 6 Feb).
Boori Boot means to get together irrespective of caste, creed, age and sex to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Another aspect of this festival is that people pray to the spirit of Boori Boot so that it blesses them with prosperity and frees them from diseases.
People from all over Arunachal Pradesh come to Upper and Lower Subansiri districts to be a part of this festival and and zealously participate in all the activities organized during the fest.
The high priest who is known as Nibu’ performs the rituals and conducts the sacrifice on behalf of the people.

Loku-festival

Loku is the main festival of the Nocte Tribe of Tirap district and is celebrated to bid farwell to the winter.
The term Loku came from two words from the local dialect – Lofe, which means to drive out and Rangku, which means the season.
Loku or Chalo Loku is celebrated in the month of February and is considered an agriculture festival.
The date of festival is decided by the elders and is according to the days of the waxing moon.
It is a 3 days festival which starts with a day called Phamlamja; on this day animals like pigs and buffaloes are slaughtered for meat and the village people engage in preparations for the next day.
Also people check their traditional costumes, which would be worn during the celebrations.
The second day of the festival is known as Chamkatja and on this day the Noctes enable the male members of the family to become full-fledged members of the Paang (decision-making committee).
It is in fact mandatory that each household performs a ritual called Chamkat for each of its male member who has attained adolescence on the day of Chamkatja.
The third and final day is called Thanlangja, and on this day villagers, irrespective of sex, age or social status participate in folk dances.
The dances are performed at the house of the Chief and in the premises of the Paang.
The families who have observed Chamkat invite the dancers to perform at their houses and in return offer food and drinks to the participants.
Thanlangja is also a day for the people to visit their relatives and friends.

Sanken-festival

This is one of the most important religious festivals in Arunachal Pradesh and is celebrated on 14th February each year.
It is mainly celebrated by the Khampti tribe of Lohit district; however, it is celebrated in entire Arunachal Pradesh.
Sanken or Sangken is a three-day festival in which people bathe the idol of Buddha.
The festival also marks the beginning of the New Year.
On the first day of the festival prayers are offered for the well-being of all by beating of drums and gongs.
During the entire festival, people abstain from killing animals, taking intoxicating drinks and indulgence in illicit sexual activities.
People also refrain from all forms of manual work, gambling and even cutting trees.
After ritual bathing of the images of Buddha and holy shrines, people sprinkle clean water on each other and exchange greetings.
On the final day, the idol of Lord Buddha is installed back in the main temple and a community feast is organized.

Other Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Along with these above mentioned festivals, there are many other festivals that the people of Arunachal Pradesh celebrate throughout the year. These festivals also revolve around the successful harvest seasons, religious beliefs and socio-cultural norms. Khan, Gomkum Gompa, Si Donyi, Mopin, Aran, Tamaldu, Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi, Reh, Oriah and Mol are other festivals celebrated in Arunachal with equal zeal and enthusiasm.

Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

October 23, 2017October 5, 2024 by rawan239

Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

Indian paintings provide an artistic continuum that extends from the early civilization and culture to the present day.
From being essentially religious in purpose in the beginning, Indian painting has evolved over the years to become a fusion of various cultures and traditions.
The Indian painting was exposed to Greco-Roman as well as Iranian and Chinese influences.

Classification of Indian Paintings

Indian Paintings can be broadly classified as the mural paintings and miniature painting.

Murals are huge works executed on the walls of solid structures, as in the Ajanta Caves and the Kailashnath temple. They are also called as wall paintings.
Miniature paintings are executed on a very small scale on perishable material such as paper and cloth.

Famous Tangkha Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

Tangkha painting is one of the most artistic craft; it is prevalent mainly in Buddhist dominated area like Tawang, West Kameng and Upper Siang Districts.
The motif of the painting is mostly religious subject along with traditional value.
It is a traditional form of Tibetan Buddhist art. Learning this craft can take three years and is part of a monk’s education.
Monks who have left monastic life can continue painting Tangkhas in craft centers like in Bomdila.

Weaving Pattern in Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

It is not known when the people of Arunanchal Pradesh learned the art of weaving. According to one of the legends, the art of weaving was learnt in a dream from the goddess Podi Barbi.
A Galo song narrates a full story of how the cotton is grown, plucked, spun and how it is woven with cotton yarn in a loom.
The song, which is sung with the dance by the village girls, narrates that in the olden days when the cotton was not grown and the people had not enough clothes, they started the cultivation of cotton.
Thus weaving among the people of Arunachal Pradesh is as old as the story itself. The people knew of clothes as a means of protecting themselves against the rigours of the climate.
The women of this area are good weavers and they have a good colour choice and artistic designs of their own.
The colour and design have their symbolic meaning among some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The use of certain kinds of clothes and ornaments is often associated with a family’s social position and achievements in the fields of hospitality and war.
Though there has not been much external influence on the designs of the fabrics in Arunachal Pradesh there has been some borrowing of motifs from the neighbouring areas.
The motifs, designs and patterns, however are quite complex and their symbolic meaning and usages are rather significant.
The elaborate processes of spinning, dying and finally weaving remind us of the rich discoveries of the women, who were supposed to weave respective clothes for their families.

Common Feature of Tribal Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

Wall Painting

The tradition of wall paintings has been passed down from pre-historic times to today.
As society moved from forest dwellings to agricultural-based communities, the art of painting continued as a part of their life, tradition, culture and to transmit their traditional beliefs through their art.
Wall painting forms part of the universal culture of most agricultural societies and forest dwelling societies.
Paintings are done on walls to invoke the gods to bless the soil, keep animals healthy for work in the field, grant a family healthy progeny after marriage, and bless a newly constructed home.
Paintings found on the walls of religious buildings depict a human quest to understand a larger universe, natural life and power

Wood Carving Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

Wood carving is a tradition with some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Monpas, Khamtis, Wanchos, Phom, Konyak tribes occupy significant place in this art.
Wood carving like in the case of Nagaland finds expression mainly under three categories;firstly, with head hunting, secondly with the decoration of the morungs or men`s youth dormitory and thirdly, the funerary images erected for warriors and other important person.
In carving of the human figure, special attention is paid to the head. The features are carved in low relief and are fairly realistic.
Usually the image depicting a warrior is decorated with special cowerie belt and several other artefacts.
The top of the head is rounded and usually has some indication of hair-cut. Tattoo marks are carefully represented, and most figures are dressed up with little bits of cloth and even ornaments with tufts on head or beads in the ear.
Wancho woodcarvers have deep sense of proportion, despite their pre-occupation with the head.
Of late departure from the traditional fixed form is noticed in many carved figures. Symmetrical postures are replaced by assymetrical ones, relief works are experimented in various themes.
The Monpa wood carver make beautiful cups, dishes, fruit bowls and carve magnificant masks for ceremonial dance and pantomimes.
The Sherdukpen The Khampa and the Monpa make masks which appear almost like real faces, while other represent birds and animals and some represent apes and men twisted mouths, women with goire to drive away the evil spirit.
The masks are made of a single block of wood hollowed inside; holes are usually but not always, made for eyes and mouths; most masks are painted, but the older ones are generally found dark and discoloured.
Women never wear the mask which are used only by men and boys.

Carpet Making Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh:

The Carpet Making is one of the important occupations in the districts of Tawang, West Kameng, Changlang and Upper Siang. Carpet making is the specialty of the Monpas.
They weave lovely colorful carpets with dragon, geometric and floral designs. Carpet weaving has today become a major occupation of the womenfolk and with an increase in demand; production of the carpets is now being undertaken on large scale.
The Arunachal Pradesh’s carpet has been acclaimed to be of National & International repute by considering the quality of carpet weaving in different motive and design.
The items produced are wall hanging, cushion pad, telephone pad, floor covering, etc. These are being promoted through Government Craft Centre with provision for training.

Pottery Crafting Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh:

Pottery is another area which finds artistic expression in the life of the Arunachalis.
Some brilliantly designed products like vessels, vases and earthenware, which are a collector’s item, can be found in the state.
The craftsmen also use multicolored beads, feathers of birds and wings of the green beetles in many of the crafts as an embellishment.
Dafla women are skilled in this craft.
The legend is that Abo Takam was the first Dafla potter and from him the art passed on to the women.

Ornaments:

Ornaments making is another craft widely practiced in Arunachal Pradesh.
Besides heads of various colors and sizes blue feathered wings of birds and green wings of beetles are used in decoration.
The Akas make bamboo bangles and ear ornament which are sometimes decorated with pucker work design.
The Wancho girls particularly are very excellent in beads work. Various ornaments of colored glass beads hold a special fascination for the people of state.
Silver ornaments are a specialty of the Mishmis.
The Idu Mishmi women wear silver fillet necklace with lockets and beautiful earrings. The Sherdukpens and the Khamptis at one time were also renowned for silver work

Folk Songs of Arunachal Pradesh

October 23, 2017October 4, 2024 by rawan239

Folk Songs of Arunachal Pradesh

The folk song of Pailibos relate more to their folk history, mythology and description of their known past.
Themes of songs are like fables involving creatures or the animal and urgent words signifying moral deduction.
Music & dance are an integral part of every festival and occasion, taking place in Arunachal Pradesh.
Every festival is celebrated with much fun & fair, which also includes music and dance.
The folk dances and Folk Songs of Arunachal Pradesh are are generally performed in groups, in which both men & women participate.
There are also famous tribal songs and dances generally performed on marriage occassions, harvet time or on every aspecious event.
Dance forms an important aspect of the socio-cultural heritage of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
The people of Arunachal dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreation. The dances of the people of Arunachal are group dances, in which both men and women participate.
There are some dances such as igo dance of the Mishmi priests, war dance of the Adis, Noctes and Wanchos Tribal dance, ritualistic dance of the Buddhist tribes, which are specifically male dances. Females are not allowed to take part in these dances.

Experience the Dance & Music

Some of the popular folk dances of the people of Arunachal Pradesh are Aji Lamu (Monpa), Roppi (Nishing), Buiya (Nishing), Hurkani (Apatani), Popir (Adi), Pasi Kongki (Adi), Chalo (Nocte), Ponung (Adi), Rekham Pada (Nishing), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa) and so on.
Most dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs sung generally in chorus.
Musical instruments like drums and Cymbals are played along with the songs sung for the dances.

Following are their chief folksong, sung on different occasion:

Ja-Jin-Ja Folk Songs of Arunachal Pradesh:

On occasion of feasts and merriment, during marriages or other social meets, this song is sung.
This song is sung especially during the social gatherings such as marriages, family feasts and friendly get-togethers.
The song lightens up the mood and provides a spirit of mirth and merriment to the people.
This folk song is sung by both males and females but gradually everyone lends their voice as the celebration peaks.

Baryi Folk Song Folk Songs of Arunachal Pradesh:

It is a song which narrate their history, their religious lore and mythology.
Its whole cycle takes hours to complete. It is also a feature of festivals or of occasion of important social or religious gatherings.
Both Ja-Jin-Ja and Baryi produce a nostalgic feeling in Pailibos as the glories of the past ancestors are narrated through them.

Nyioga Folk Songs of Arunachal Pradesh:

It is sung when a marriage ceremony is concluded and the bridal party returns leaving the bride in her home. The theme is that of the joy. It contains pieces of advice to the bride for her future life.

ZIRO FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

This festival is Arunachal’s own version of the Sunburn Festival.
Ziro Festival of Music is the biggest outdoor music festival in the state and is the most happening event in Arunachal Pradesh as well.
Music lovers from all over the state and the North East region gather at Ziro, where this festival takes place.
It is a four-day festival where the music lovers enjoy the performances of international and domestic music artists.
Folk acts from all across the North East are also organized; therefore it is a good opportunity to learn about the different cultures here.
People make merry and spend four unforgettable days at the Ziro Festival of Music.

Musical Instruments used during singing

Music is an important component of the performing arts like dance and drama, and of rituals. Each community has its own style of music and tradition of songs.
There are essentially two ways to make music:

With the human voice
With an instrument.

The musical instruments are classified on the basis of the scientific principle used to create the sound they make. They are briefly described below.

Percussion Instruments: These instruments are struck to produce sound. Often these are used to produce the taal or beat and do not produce all the musical note or cymbals.
Wind Instruments: These need air to flow through them to produce soundóbansuri or flute.
String Instruments: These are instruments that use one or many tightly tied strings that when struck vibrate to create soundóthe veena or ektara.
Drums: A drum is made of a membrane stretched across a hollow frame and played by striking the dholak or mridangam.

Basic/General Features of Folk Music across India as well as Arunachal

India has a very rich and varied tradition of folk music.
The extreme diversity in rural culture spawns endless varieties of folk styles.
Each region has its own particular approach and repertoire.
There is a tendency to lump folk music along with tribal music, but strictly speaking this is not correct.
Where folk music is a rustic reflection of Indian society at large, tribal music often reflects cultures that are very different.
Some of these tribal cultures are throwbacks to society as it was thousands of years ago.
Folk and tribal music is not taught in the same way that Indian classical music is taught.
There are no formal periods of apprenticeship where the student is able to devote their entire time to learning music; the economic realities of rural life do not permit this.
Folk musicians must still attend to their normal duties of farming, hunting, or whatever their chosen occupation is.
Folk music is learned almost as if by osmosis. From childhood, the music is heard and imbibed as a simple matter of life.
There are many public activities that allow the villagers to practice their musical skills.
Folk music is an indispensable part of functions such as weddings, births and engagements.
There is a vast body of songs for each occasion.
There are also songs associated with harvesting and planting. In these activities, the villagers routinely sing of their fears, hopes and aspirations.
Folk music is also used for education.
There is a ceremony when a girl has her first period.
In this function, the elderly women in the village gather at the house (men are excluded), the girl is given her first langa and woni (the half sari which is worn by unmarried women), rich food and other presents.
At this time, the women sing songs that are extremely bawdy.
To an outsider, this would seem out of character for obviously respectable community members.
However, the purpose of such Folk Songs of Arunachal Pradesh is to provide the girl’s first instructions on her emerging womanhood and what her future duties as a wife will be.

Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

October 23, 2017October 1, 2024 by rawan239

Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

The state of Arunachal Pradesh in north-eastern India is home to many tribes originated mainly from Tibeto-Burman family.
Various tribal folk dance forms have emerged at times to celebrate the festivities and sometimes to elevate the spirit of goodness.
The Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh can be broadly classified into four distinct groups of dances typically enacted for a host of purposes.
Festive Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh performances which are mainly festival orientated folk dances celebrated during special occasions.
Ritualistic dance is Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh done with much exuberance during certain rituals.
Recreational dances performed as part of recreational purposes
These dances are not performed as part of any ritual or festival though they are part of certain occasions creating a happy and cheerful atmosphere.
The Dance Drama or the Pantomimes which aim at depicting a mythical story entitled with a moral.
Dance forms an important aspect of the socio-cultural heritage of the peole.
They dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreation.
The Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh of the people of Arunachal are group- where both men and women take part.
There are however some dances such as igo dance of the Mishmi priests, war dance of the Adis, Noctes and Wanchos, ritualistic dance of the Buddhist tribes, which are male dances. Females are not allowed to participate in these dances.
Some of the popular folk dances of the people are Aji Lamu(Monpa), Roppi(Nishing), Buiya(Nishing), Hurkani(Apatani), Popir(Adi), Pasi Kongki(Adi), Chalo(Nocte), Ponung (Adi), Rekham Pada (Nishing), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa) and so on.
Most dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs sung generally in chorus.
Musical instruments like drums and Cymbals are played.

Mask-Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

Religious beliefs of some tribal communities especially in Arunachal Pradesh have been influenced in some respect by Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Sherdukpens and the Monpas perform many kind of ritual masked dances of which Thutotdam is most fascinating.
The dancers put on masks representing skulls and wear costumes designed as skeletons.
The ritualistic dance depicts how the soul after death is received in the other world.
At Torgyap Festival many such kinds of masked dances are performed which aim at driving away evil spirits and ensuring prosperity, good harvest and favourable weather throughout the year.

Arpos Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

The Monpas perform Arpos dance in which about twenty-five dancers, wearing helmets and carrying sword and shields like ancient warrior, depicts how the ancestors of the tribe conquered their enemies.
The performance concludes with a dance number called Gallong Chham in which about ten dancers perform wearing very colourful costumes and sumptuous headgear.
Of all the masked pantomimes that the Sherdukpens perform, the most fasicinating is the Yak dance.
The dummy animal is formed by two men concealed behind a black cloth that forms its body.
The head of the dummy Yak is made of wood. On its back sits the figure of a goddess. Three masked men dance around the dummy animal.
They represent the legendary hero Apapek and two sons.
Verrier Elwin in The Art of the North-East frontier of India reports,”The lamas of the Yang Sang Chu valley in northern Siang have masked dances which they perform every year at the week-long festival of Drubachuk to ensure prosperity, happiness and health.

Bardo Chham Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

Bardo Chham is a folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh and a crucial ritual among the ethno-various group of north-east people.
Folk dances are performed during festivals and likewise as leisure routine.
These primitive tribal communities living at the Himalayan skirt for centuries were able to retain their targeted tradition of thousand years.
Their zests for existence and nature have enabled these rough working tribes of north east Himalayas choreograph some superb folk dances. One of the most widespread folks dance of Arunachal Pradesh incorporating the struggles of Adi tribe, Igu dance of Mishmi clergymen, ritualistic performances of Buddhist tribe.

Adi Tribal Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

Adi tribal dance from India’s north-east! This is being performed at the Brahmaputra Festival in Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Dances form a vital element in the zest and joy of living of Arunachali tribal.
They dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreational reasons.
They vary from highly stylised religious dance dramas of the Buddhists to the martial steps and colourful performances.

Ponung Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

It is the famous folk dance of Adi tribal people.
This is a dance performed by women alone.
The purpose of this festival is to ask for a good harvest and welfare of the village community.
This dance is performed on all-important & auspicious occasions.
Among the Adis dance had evolved almost into an art form for entertainment and recreation.
The ‘Phoning’ dance of Adis is performed by teams of young girls in perfect rhythmic unison.
Similar group dance in colourful costumes are performed by Nishis and Tagins of Upper and Lower Subansiri Districts.
Adi village has a rich cultural life. The tribal people are famous for their Ponung that is dancing with the accompaniment of songs.
A group of girls dance in a circle holding each other by stretching their hands over each others shoulders while the leader-usually a man called the Miri – dances and sings in the centre-holding aloft and shaking a sword like musical instrument called ‘Yoksha’.
First he sings a line and then it is repeated in chorus by the maidens rhythmically in circle at a low pace. On all important occasions ponung is arranged.

The Wancho Dance

The Wancho tribes perform dances during appropriate occasions like festivals, ceremonies etc.
Ozele festival of Wanchos is celebrated in February-March after the sowing of millet.
It lasts for four days and was observed in Longkhau village.
The dance is performed from about 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. inside the chief’s house.
Among the male-folk, boys, youths and adults take part while among women, only girls and those young married women who have not joined the husband’s family, take part in the dance.
The dancers, dressed in their fineries, stand in a circle surrounding a bonfire.
The girls stand on one side of the circle holding each other’s hands.
The male dancers hold a sword in the right hand and most of them place the left hand over the shoulder of the dancer to the left.
The male dancers start singing when all take a short step with the right foot to the right, flex the knees with an accompanying forward swing of the sword and gently bring the left foot up to the heel of the right one.
They repeat this sequence of movements.
When the singing of the male-dancers, end, which is generally on the eighth or ninth step, all stamp their right foot twice on the ground.
The female dancers take up the singing in reply.
They stamp the right foot twice on the ground during their turn of singing, once generally in the fourth step and the next at the end of the singing which generally falls on the ninth step.
Again the male dancers take up the singing and thus the dance continues.

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September 16, 2017September 9, 2024 by rawan239

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03.02.18 Arunachal Pradesh(APPSC) Current Affairs

February 6, 2018September 7, 2024 by rawan239

NORTH-EASTERN STATES

Arunachali yak the first to be registered as new breed

Yaks, found in the mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh, have been registered by the Karnal-based National Bureau of Animal Genetics Resources (NBAGR) as a distinct breed known as Arunachali yak, this being the first instance of such a registration in the country. Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh will formally award the recognition in New Delhi on Wednesday to the representatives of National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) based at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh.

The study found that Arunachali yaks are characterized by their predominantly black body colour and the high fat content in their milk which sometimes goes up to 7.45%. A lactating Arunachali yak produces, on an average, 1.3 kg milk per day. Though the milk is comparatively of poor quantity, it is compensated by the high fat content which makes it useful to produce different milk products.

However, scientific interventions, especially in the areas of breeding and rearing, have been able to slow down the decline of population as Arunachali yaks still remain the main source of livelihood for many Brokpas (yak rearers). West Kameng and Tawang are mainly dominated by the Monpa community, which treats the yaks as an asset for the rural economy, and rears these animals in organized farms or semi-migratory systems.

INTERNATIONAL

Inland Waterways Authority of India signs agreement with World Bank

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a project agreement with the World Bank, even as the latter entered into a US $ 375 million loan agreement with the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance for Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP).

The signing of the Agreement follows the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, for the implementation of the US $ 800 million JMVP for capacity augmentation of navigation on National Waterway-1(River Ganga) from Varanasi to Haldia.

Out of the remaining amount, US $ 380 million is to be sourced through the Government of India counterpart funds from budgetary allocation and proceeds from the bond issue.

Another US $ 45 million will come from private sector participation under the PPP mode.

The JMVP, which is expected to be completed by March, 2023, is being implemented with the financial and technical support of the World Bank.

The project will enable commercial navigation of vessels with the capacity of 1500-2,000 tons on NW-I.

· UAE Launches World’s Longest Zip Line

The United Arab Emiratesmade a record by opening the world’s longest zip line, measuring 83 kmin length.
Guinness World Records officials certified the zip line in Ras al-Khaimah.
The Jebel Jais Flight takes thrill-seekers atop the country’s largest mountain peak, from a launch pad 1,680 meters (5,512 feet) above sea level.

NATIONAL

Two athletes to represent India at the Winter Olympics

Luger Shiva Keshavan and cross-country skier Jagdish Singh will represent India at the PyeongChang Winter Olympicswhich begins on February 9.
Thirty-six-year-old Keshavan, the country’s best known Winter Olympian, will be taking part in his sixth Games since his debut at Nagano in Japan in 1998.
Meanwhile, this will be Jagdish Singh’s maiden Winter Games appearance.

Textbooks in 4 states to have QR codes: Nilekani

Schools in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthanwill have QR codes in their textbooks, enabling students to view video tutorial and customized content from smartphones, informed.

As part of the initiative, textbooks will have digital links with a QR code printed at the lesson and this code will have digital material related to the particular concept, which could be a short video lecture or a tutorial or a customized content.

Sharing his experiences of working with the government, Nandan said that one of things that he learnt is that government is a big amplifier. “If intervention happens at an early stage, impact will be bigger. The government is currently spending Rs 18,000 crore on education. At the other end, philanthropic capital is also being funded in the sector.

Dust mitigation plan must for firms

The Environment Ministry has made it mandatory for companies seeking environment clearance to ensure that they put in place a dust mitigation plan.

The requirements, specified in a gazette notification on January 25, say that roads leading to or at construction sites must be paved and black-topped. There could be no soil excavation without adequate dust mitigation measures in place. No loose soil, sand, construction waste could be left uncovered. A water sprinkling system was mandatory, and the measures taken should be prominently displayed at the construction site. Moreover, the grinding and cutting of building materials in open area were prohibited and no uncovered vehicles carrying construction material and waste would be permitted.

The standards were developed by the Central Pollution Control Board as part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and will now empower the organisation to fine companies and agencies for not complying with norms.

Road dust contributed 56% of all PM10 pollution, while it was 38% for PM2.5.

Before PM2.5 became the focus of attention — for its role in lodging itself in the lungs and for being a key component of diesel emissions — dust was the key villain for a long time. Dust is a generic term for a vast mix of metals and non-metals — silicon, aluminium, titanium, manganese, copper, barium, antimony, selenium and zinc.

Gk bit – PM (particulate matter)

PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

Particle pollution includes:

PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and

5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.

The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter – making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle.