Arunachal gears up for 40th Statehood Day celebrations at Itanagar

Arunachal Pradesh is set to celebrate its 40th Statehood Day on Thursday with a series of official ceremonies and cultural programmes at Indira Gandhi Park in the state capital.

Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik will unfurl the national flag at the main function, followed by an address from the Chief Minister. The event will feature cultural performances showcasing the rich tribal heritage of the state, along with the inauguration of exhibition stalls highlighting developmental progress by various government departments. Food stalls and a cultural night have also been planned as part of the celebrations.

Arunachal Pradesh observes Statehood Day every year on February 20, marking its elevation as the 24th state of the Indian Union on February 20, 1987. The region was earlier known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). 

On January 20, 1972, NEFA was renamed Arunachal Pradesh and granted Union Territory status. It later attained full statehood following the enactment of the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986, paving the way for its formal recognition as a state in 1987.

The day is observed as a gazetted holiday across the state. The main official function traditionally takes place at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar and is attended by the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

Cultural showcases form a key highlight of the celebration, with performances of traditional tribal dances such as the Aka, Nocte and Tapu war dances reflecting Arunachal’s diverse ethnic tapestry. Exhibitions by government departments and Self-Help Groups will also display local arts, crafts and agricultural achievements, underscoring the state’s developmental strides over four decades of statehood.