Arunachal Pradesh is set to shine in the national spotlight as it launches the first-ever Sun Rise Festival in Dong Village, Anjaw district, from December 29, 2025, to January 2, 2026. Designed to promote tourism and showcase the beauty of India’s easternmost frontier, the Sun Rise Festival Arunachal offers a unique chance to witness the country’s earliest sunrise—alongside cultural performances, local cuisine, and eco-adventures.
Why Dong Village is India’s Best-Kept Sunrise Secret
Dong Village, tucked away in the Anjaw district, lies near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar. At an altitude of around 1,240 meters, it receives the first sunlight in India, often by 4:30 AM during winter months. While little-known outside of trekking communities and military maps, this quiet Himalayan hamlet is now ready to welcome travelers with open arms.
Until now, its sunrise view was a secret shared by a few explorers. However, with the launch of the Sun Rise Festival Arunachal, the government hopes to bring global attention to this peaceful corner of Northeast India.
Sun Rise Festival Arunachal: What Visitors Can Expect
The five-day celebration is designed to be an immersive experience blending nature, heritage, and adventure.
Traditional Cultural Showcases
Festival-goers will enjoy tribal dance performances, indigenous music, and craft exhibitions. Expect to see the unique heritage of communities like the Mishmi and Adi tribes presented through song, art, and storytelling.
Adventure & Eco-Tourism
The festival includes guided sunrise treks, birdwatching tours, and overnight camping for nature lovers. Visitors can hike to scenic ridges for sunrise views or explore forest trails with local guides trained in eco-tourism.
Local Food & Handicrafts
Taste authentic Arunachali dishes such as thukpa, bamboo shoot curry, and apong (rice beer), all prepared by village residents. A handicraft market will showcase handwoven shawls, bamboo items, and organic produce.
A Push Toward Sustainable, Community-Based Tourism
This initiative is part of a larger movement by the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Department to develop low-impact, community-led tourism. Authorities are working closely with locals to ensure that the festival fosters economic growth while protecting the natural environment.
“We want travelers to leave with memories, not footprints,” said a tourism official. “The Sun Rise Festival Arunachal is built around cultural respect and ecological sustainability.”
Additionally, the festival aligns with India’s broader Rising North East initiative, which focuses on regional development through tourism and infrastructure.
How to Reach Dong Village for the Festival
Getting to Dong is part of the adventure. Here’s how to plan your journey:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Tezu Airport (120 km) or Dibrugarh Airport in Assam.
- By Road: Drive from Tezu or Roing to Walong, then hike or drive to Dong.
- Permit Alert: Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign tourists require special permits. Apply in advance via the Arunachal ILP portal.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Where else in India can you:
- Watch the sunrise before anyone else
- Feast on local tribal cuisine
- Trek across unspoiled Himalayan terrain
- Connect directly with indigenous communities
The Sun Rise Festival Arunachal isn’t just a visual treat—it’s a spiritual reset. The peaceful rhythms of Dong Village, the purity of the air, and the warmth of the people combine for a travel experience unlike any other.
Catch the First Light of 2026
As 2025 winds down, start your new year at India’s edge, where the day begins before anywhere else in the country. The Sun Rise Festival Arunachal is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to witness the first light of 2026 with open eyes and a full heart.
READ MORE: Tripura Police Recover ₹7 Crore in ₹16 Crore Agartala Municipal Corporation Bank Fraud Case