Arunachal CM launches five-day Sunrise Festival at India’s easternmost village Dong

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on December 29 inaugurated the state’s first-ever five-day Sunrise Festival at Dong Valley in Anjaw district, the easternmost habitation of India that receives the country’s first rays of the sun every day.

The Chief Minister reached Dong village along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao, and local MLA from Hayuliang and Minister for Women and Child Development Dasanglu Pul. Dong, located close to the India-China border, is widely known for its geographical distinction as the point where sunrise first touches Indian soil.

Addressing the gathering, Khandu said the Sunrise Festival is a celebration of Dong’s unique identity and aims to showcase the region’s natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure potential. “Dong, where India witnesses its first sunrise, is set to host the state’s first-ever Sunrise Festival. This celebration highlights Dong’s unique distinction as the easternmost point of India and offers visitors a rare blend of nature, culture, and adventure,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the festival has been conceived as a platform to promote sustainable and responsible tourism while creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities. He added that the initiative would help position Dong as an important landmark of India’s geographical and cultural identity on the global tourism map.

The five-day festival is expected to feature cultural performances, local cuisine, nature-based activities, and community-driven tourism initiatives, aimed at bringing national and international attention to one of India’s most remote yet symbolically significant regions.