Arunachal's Idu Mishmi community celebrates Reh festival with grandeur near Indo-China border

The Idu Mishmi community of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated its most significant socio-religious festival, Reh, with fervour and cultural splendour at Anini, under Dibang Valley district near the Indo-China border. The central celebrations witnessed the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, senior ministers, elected representatives and community leaders, underscoring the festival’s cultural and strategic importance in India’s easternmost frontier.

Reh Festival holds deep spiritual significance for the Idu Mishmi tribe of Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley. The festival is observed to invoke the blessings of the divine mother Nanyi Inyitaya for peace, prosperity and the overall well-being of the community. This year, the central celebrations are being held from February 1 to February 3, even as Reh rituals continue across villages in Dibang and Lower Dibang Valleys, with Anini and Roing as the primary hubs.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the celebrations along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao, Sports Minister Kento Jini, Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, IPR Minister Nyato Dukam, and MLA Mope Mihu, among others.

Speaking at the event, CM Khandu urged the Idu Mishmi community to safeguard their language, traditions and cultural identity. “The originality of Idu Mishmi culture is its greatest strength. Preserving it is essential, not only for future generations but also for the world that wishes to understand and experience Arunachal’s unique heritage,” he said.

MP Tapir Gao extended Reh greetings to the community and encouraged locals to promote Anini as a tourism destination. He emphasised that the warmth, hospitality and cultural richness of the region could play a key role in attracting visitors to this remote border district.

Local MLA Mope Mihu described this year’s Reh celebrations as particularly special, recalling a time when poor road connectivity made it difficult for families to gather. “Earlier, relatives could not easily come together. Today, Reh brings everyone on a single platform for prayers and celebrations near the Indo-China border,” he said. Mihu also highlighted the decision to organise a centralised Reh celebration, noting that it reduces the financial burden on individual families, as traditional rituals involve animal sacrifices and preparation of customary brews.

According to community members, while public celebrations focus on the first three days, Reh traditionally follows a six-day ritual cycle. The opening day, Andropu, involves prayers seeking the smooth conduct of the festival, followed by Eyanli, the sacrificial day when mithuns (gayals) and buffaloes are offered to appease deities.

Adding a contemporary touch to the festivities, Anini is hosting a special live concert featuring Bollywood singers Udit Narayan and Aditya Narayan, drawing large crowds and blending tradition with modern celebration.