Arunachal’s Nocte Supreme Queen Phaliam Wangcha passes away at 114

In a moment of profound loss for Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous Nocte community, Supreme Queen Phaliam Wangcha, revered as the “queen of queens,” passed away at the age of 114 on July 28 at her residence in Dadam village, Tirap district.

Phaliam Wangcha’s demise has triggered an outpouring of collective mourning across eight Nocte villages under her ceremonial reign—Hunkan, Moktowa, Chinkoi, Lahu, Bera, Kuthin, Kapu, and Bordumsa. Villagers from each of these communities have converged in Dadam to offer tributes in accordance with ancient customs and royal traditions.

On Friday, her subjects paid their respects with grand ceremonial observances, including traditional war dances, ritual gun salutes, and sacred rites passed down through generations. As per Nocte tradition, the funeral of a pongwen (supreme) queen is not limited to her immediate family or village—it is a collective observance by all villages under her spiritual and cultural guardianship. The final rites are scheduled for Saturday.

Known for her wisdom, authority, and deep-rooted spiritual presence, Queen Phaliam embodied the living traditions of the Nocte people. One of the most iconic moments of her reign was the Thom-siat ritual, where she was ceremonially carried by villagers atop a sacred log drum to her residence—signifying the divine recognition of her status. Local lore tells of a tigress that appeared to become her spirit guardian, further cementing her symbolic stature as a leader of strength and protection.

“She was not just a queen; she was the soul of our traditions. Her guidance protected our villages, her rituals bound us together. Her passing is like losing a sacred manuscript,” said an elder from Dadam village.

Throughout her lifetime, Queen Phaliam was known for hosting feasts of merit—an esteemed Nocte custom that demonstrates a leader’s generosity, moral strength, and community standing. These feasts were not mere social gatherings but acts of unifying spiritual force across the villages.

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A guardian of indigenous knowledge, Queen Phaliam also played an irreplaceable role in preserving Nocte folklore, medicinal practices, and customary law. People from surrounding regions sought her counsel in matters of dispute, illness, and spiritual guidance. Her words were often final in inter-village disagreements, earning her respect even beyond Nocte territory.

"Whenever there was conflict, her voice calmed the storm. She was a symbol of peace and justice. Even neighbouring communities honoured her decisions. As we prepare to bid her farewell, we promise to walk the path she showed us—with unity, dignity, and strength," said a villager from Moktowa.

As the eight villages gather for her final journey, preparations continue in full measure with drummers, dancers, hunters, and ceremonial leaders ensuring that the royal funeral reflects her unparalleled contribution to Nocte culture and Arunachal’s tribal heritage.

Her passing not only marks the end of a royal chapter but also signifies the beginning of a renewed commitment among her people to uphold the legacy of one of Arunachal’s most iconic indigenous matriarchs.