Where India sees the sun first: Arunachal to welcome new year at Dong

Arunachal Pradesh is set to welcome the New Year with the first rays of the sun at Dong village as the state government organised the inaugural Sunrise Festival 2025–26 in the remote Anjaw district near the India–China–Myanmar tri-junction.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu lauded the growing tourist footfall at the Sunrise Festival held at Dong Valley, calling it a milestone in promoting border tourism and highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural and geographical uniqueness. The festival began on December 29 and will continue till January 2.

Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh government in collaboration with local communities, the festival aims to showcase Dong village, one of the easternmost inhabited villages of India, known for witnessing the country’s first sunrise.

Nestled in the far eastern reaches of Anjaw district, Dong village holds immense geographical, cultural and strategic importance. The village is home to the indigenous Meyor tribe, known for their close bond with nature and distinct cultural traditions.

The Chief Minister stated that under the Vibrant Village Programme, border villages and towns along the China and Myanmar frontiers will be connected with world-class infrastructure to improve accessibility and quality of life. He added that the upcoming Frontier Highway will significantly enhance connectivity between remote border settlements, strengthening both development and national security.

Khandu further informed that projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore are being implemented for the development of international border towns, focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, tourism promotion, and livelihood generation for local communities.

The Sunrise Festival features cultural performances, traditional cuisine, local handicrafts, and nature-based activities, offering visitors a rare glimpse into life along India’s eastern frontier. The initiative is expected to boost sustainable tourism while reinforcing India’s presence in strategically vital border areas.