In a move to boost tourism and showcase its natural beauty, Arunachal Pradesh will host a five-day “Sun Rise Festival” at Dong, the easternmost village of India. The festival, announced by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, is scheduled to take place from December 29 to January 2, allowing visitors to witness the first sunrise of the new year.
Situated at an altitude of 1,240 meters near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, Dong is the first place in the country to be touched by the sun’s rays each morning. The state government views this event as a significant step toward placing the remote village firmly on India’s tourism map.
“From this year onwards, we will be hosting a five-day Sun Rise Festival at Dong to boost tourism and create new opportunities for adventurers and nature lovers,” Khandu stated on social media. The chief minister recently visited the area, saying, “Landed in Walong, Anjaw district, and will be heading towards Dong, the place where the first sun ray touches Indian soil.”
According to the state Tourism Department, the festival will feature a variety of activities, including local cultural performances, adventure sports, and eco-tourism initiatives. These events are designed to highlight the unique traditions and stunning landscapes of the Anjaw district.
The initiative aims to strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s reputation as a prime destination for adventure and nature-based tourism. Khandu has extended an open invitation to people from across the country to experience the breathtaking landscape of Anjaw and “witness the first dawn of the New Year in the Land of the Rising Sun!”
