Arunachal to host ‘Sun Rise Festival’; CM invites tourists to witness India’s first dawn

Arunachal Pradesh is preparing to host its first Sun Rise Festival at Dong, a picturesque village in Anjaw district that famously witnesses the country’s earliest sunrays. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the launch of the five-day event, scheduled from 29 December to 2 January, as part of a wider push to promote tourism and adventure activities in the state’s easternmost region.

Making the announcement on X, Khandu wrote, “Landed in Walong, Anjaw district, and will be heading towards Dong, the place where the first sun ray touches Indian soil. To boost tourism and create new opportunities for adventurers and nature lovers, I am delighted to announce that from this year onwards we will be hosting a five-day Sun Rise Festival at Dong.”

Landed in Walong, Anjaw district, and will be heading towards Dong – the place where the first Sun Ray touches Indian soil.

To boost tourism and create new opportunities for adventurers & nature lovers, I am delighted to announce that from this year onwards we will be hosting a… pic.twitter.com/8nC6UpnZY8

— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) September 6, 2025

He described the festival as a celebration of both nature and culture, urging visitors from across India to experience Anjaw’s pristine environment, vibrant traditions, and unmatched views. “Come, witness the first dawn of the New Year in the Land of the Rising Sun!” Khandu said.

According to the state tourism department, the programme will feature cultural showcases by local communities, eco-tourism activities, guided treks, and adventure sports. Officials added that the event will highlight the traditions of nearby villages and bring together artists, performers, and artisans to present the rich heritage of the region.

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Dong, situated at around 1,240 metres and lying at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, is regarded as one of the most geographically significant and visually striking destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. With recent efforts to improve road connectivity, the state government hopes to make this remote corner more accessible and put it firmly on the national tourism map.

The announcement comes at a time when Arunachal Pradesh’s leadership has been actively encouraging the state’s youth to play a greater role in shaping its future. Just a day earlier, Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) had called upon students to align their personal ambitions with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Speaking at the 47th Foundation Day of Dera Natung Government College, he urged young people to embrace creativity, innovation, and skill-based learning, remarking that, “Educational institutions are the engines of growth and transformation. Remain physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”