HT Correspondent
ZIRO, July 5: The 36th edition of the Hong Dree Festival, a vibrant celebration of the agricultural traditions of the Apatani community, was held with great fervour and cultural splendour at Hanoko Dree Ground in Hong village, Lower Subansiri district.
The event, which forms a central part of the annual Dree celebrations observed across Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the country, brought together people from all walks of life in a colourful display of tradition, unity, and community spirit.
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According to an official statement, the festival saw enthusiastic participation from the Apatani community and was marked by traditional rituals, cultural performances, food stalls, and public addresses by prominent leaders and community representatives.
Health and Family Welfare & WRD Minister Biyuram Wahge, who was the chief guest, addressed the mammoth gathering, lauding the Apatani people for preserving their age-old customs through festivals like Dree.
Speaking at the gathering, Minister Wahge stressed the importance of maintaining the mythology and cultural legacy rooted in the Abotani era.
He expressed admiration for the way the Apatani community has continued to celebrate Dree with devotion, discipline, and cultural integrity.
“Festivals like Dree are a reflection of our shared identity. They not only connect us to our ancestors but also inspire unity among different tribes,” he remarked.
In a strong message to the youth, Wahge appealed for the promotion of a “Pan-Arunachal” mindset to ensure lasting peace and social harmony in the state.
“It is the responsibility of the younger generation to preserve our traditions while fostering unity across all tribal communities,” he said.
On the health front, Wahge shared a sobering insight: Arunachal Pradesh currently reports the highest number of female cancer cases in India, while Mizoram tops the chart for male cancer prevalence.
In light of this pressing health concern, the minister informed the public that the state government, under the leadership of chief minister Pema Khandu, has decided to establish a dedicated Cancer Hospital at Yupia in Papum Pare district.
“This hospital will provide affordable and timely treatment, reducing the burden on families who currently have to travel out of the state,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining inter-community harmony.
Recalling his participation in the Nyishi-Apatani Summit of 2015, he called upon the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and community-based organisations (CBOs) to continue fostering communal amity and understanding.
Several other dignitaries also addressed the crowd during the celebration.
Among them were Mutchu Mithi, MLA and Advisor to the Minister for Home and Education; Hayeng Mangfi, MLA and Advisor to the Minister for WRD; Tarh Tabin, Vice President (HQ) of AITF; Chairman of the 36th Hong Dree Festival Celebration Committee, Takhe Taling; and Secretary Tapi Habung.
Each of them emphasised the value of preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.
As part of the celebrations, prizes and trophies were awarded to winners of cultural, literary, and sporting competitions.
Academic achievers of Classes X and XII, as well as successful candidates in prestigious examinations like the UPSC Civil Services, were also felicitated.
In a gesture aimed at promoting education, two bicycles were distributed to top-performing students of Government Secondary School, Hong, and PM Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Abasiya Vidyalaya, Siro.
The initiative was carried out by the Punyo Kaya Manu Foundation, which has made this annual distribution a key highlight of the Dree festivities.
Visitors were also treated to a cultural extravaganza, with traditional dances, musical performances, and over a dozen food stalls showcasing the culinary richness of the region.
The celebration created a festive atmosphere that reflected not only the Apatani community’s deep agricultural roots but also its commitment to inclusivity and shared progress.
The Dree Festival, with its strong emphasis on fertility, community wellbeing, and ancestral reverence, continues to be one of the most cherished and unifying celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural calendar.
