Arunachal's Podi Barbi Harvest Festival draws major turnout in Itanagar

A strong call to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s Indigenous cultural heritage dominated this year’s Podi Barbi celebrations, as senior ministers and community leaders gathered at the Mopin–Solung Ground on December 5.

 

The agriculture-centred festival of the Ramo, Pai-Libo and Bokar communities of Shi-Yomi district—bordering the India–China frontier—was marked by a large turnout, vibrant traditional performances and a renewed push to safeguard tribal identity in a fast-changing digital era.

 

Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge, attending as the chief guest, urged the crowd to value cultural inheritance beyond what can be found online. “Our traditions cannot be sourced from Google. They must be passed down from our ancestors,” he said, extending greetings to the Adi community and the wider state.

 

Tourism and Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, who also serves as the festival’s chief patron, underscored the responsibility of younger generations in protecting Indigenous practices. Speaking to India Today, he said the digital age should motivate youth to preserve tribal culture rather than drift away from it.

 

Hundreds attended the celebration organised by the Podi Barbi Celebration Committee–Itanagar, many dressed in full traditional attire. The programme featured day-long cultural presentations, including folk dances, traditional songs and modern performances.

 

Sportsperson Joti Mane, among the athletes from Shi-Yomi district, felicitated during the event, explained the festival’s origin. According to Mane, “Podi Barbi” refers to an insect believed to damage crops, and the festival represents a symbolic appeal for protection and a good harvest.

 

Arunachal Pradesh, home to more than 26 tribes and around 100 sub-tribes, observes a wide range of festivals rooted in agriculture and community life. This year’s Podi Barbi celebration highlighted not only the cultural richness of the Adi groups but also a growing awareness of the need to preserve these traditions for future generations.