Arunachal Diary

by Tom Simai

In 2007, a simple idea of then Legislative Speaker, Setong Sena resurrected the ebbed period of the bucolic tribes, which was lost somewhere in search of contemporary comforts. Thankfully, three years later, the petite perception now offers international exposure to not one tribe but most of the tribes of Arunachal, including the neighboring nation, Myanmar. Traditions has altered Arunachal, changed the modern mindsets of Changlang District. It has also modified a sweet sleepy town like Nampong and its neighborhoods into global village or tourism hub, integrating the distinct tribes and cultures that once drifted due to religious differences. It’s admirable that the sincere efforts of Tangsa community has coalesced the countless tribes of Arunachal to script together, the triumphs of tribal legacy. Interestingly, this mammoth fair has been able to flatten the many fallacious myths that persisted prior to its origination which was hampering the harmonious subsistence and socio-cultural growth of the tranquil state.

It’s an enchanting voyage to the distant land. An adventurous journey to the hidden terrain. The mystic soil of

Tangsas, they are one of the major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, inhabiting in most part of Changlang districts. An unforgettable occasion is unfolding, offering the pleasure to blend the New Year with ethnic amusements. An enriching experiences of Arunachal Cultures and Cuisines. The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2010 is the gateway to the shrouded paradise – Arunachal Pradesh

As the odyssey of discovery penetrates the heart of the ethnic extravaganza, events spontaneously begin to weave unforgettable memories. The rustic lanes, the endless greeneries, the dense foliage obscuring the motor tracks, the plummeting rivulets near the historic Stillwell Road, the birds diving through the tree canopies and the insects in the forest floor makes the visit worthwhile.

During the three-day extravaganza from January 20 to 22^nd 2010, survive the heady thrill of the folk songs and dances, fashion shows, the ethnic food fiesta, traditional sports, the Pangsau Pass expedition, sightseeing, eco-trekking, boating on the Rima & Namchik river, Burmese culture, as well as visits to the World War-II Cemetery, the Border bazaar, The Lake of No Return & The Hell Gate etc.

“Secy. Tourism informed that cultural troupes from other parts of the North East will participate in the festival, adding that she will also invite cultural troupes from North India to give a boost to cultural understanding with other parts of country.”

For more details on this festival visit Amazing Arunachal or Contact:

Director Tourism
Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.
0360-2214745
audeshsingh1408@yahoo.com

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jairampur
91-3800-222216,
91-9436835266;
Fax – 03800-223000

Popularity: 76% [?]

Apart from poor infrastructure and lack of knowledge about the region it was always thought that one of the major deterrents to tourists intending to visit Arunachal Pradesh has been the cumbersome and complex entry formalities.

The other day one of the readers of AD commented why not provision for applying and processing ILP be made online? And as if his thought had been heard, the Government is contemplating putting into place the online processing and application of ILP just after the Lok Sabha elections.

State tourism department sources said the Central government has given the go-ahead to it for setting up an online system to process and clear permits, a move, they said, will bring rich dividends to the state known for its mountains and monasteries. Visitors entering Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram need the inner-line permit issued by the respective State governments.

The permits were presently being obtained after filling up necessary formalities at designated offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati besides others. The department has already made a blue-print for the project and the real work on the schem e will start soon after the Lok Sabha elections, sources said. (Source: The Hindu Business Line)

Hope the blue-print of this scheme includes online tracking of the application too, which would help the potential visitors to finalize their itinerary.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Tawang Monastery has been named ‘The Spiritual Wonder of India’ along with Taj Mahal and Golden Temple which has been named ‘The Wonder of India’ and ‘Peace and Harmony Wonder of India’ respectively in the finals of ‘7 Wonders of India‘

The year long campaign initiated by NDTV in association with Union Tourism Ministry to unravel the 7 best natural and man-made marvels in the country came to an end with the announcement of 7 Wonders of India at a gala ceremony held at Delhi on Monday, the 30^th of March.

The ‘7 Wonders of India’ chosen through nationwide poll are:

1. Sun Temple, Konark
2. Khajuraho
3. Red Fort, Delhi
4. Jaisalmer Fort
5. Meenakshi Temple
6. Nalanda University
7. Dholavira site.

Arunachal Diary thank all it’s reader who had voted for Tawang Monastery in the race for ‘7 Wonders of India’.

Popularity: 3% [?]