The Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the Oriah festival in Longding district on 16 February 2022. Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the function as the chief guest.
Oriah is a festival celebrated by the Wanchos tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the main festival of the Wancho tribe, consisting of prayer, music and dance. During the festival, villagers exchange bamboo tubes of rice beer as a token of greeting and goodwill. Both men and women wear traditional costumes and participate in singing and dancing, which takes place around a 'Jangban', a tall ceremonial pole erected during the festival.
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Brigadier (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd.) has greeted the Wancho community on the occasion of the celebration of Oriah Festival. In his message, the Governor said that the Oriah Festival is a celebration to invoke the blessings of the almighty 'Rangwa'. It helps us to preserve our age-old traditions and at the same time, it promotes the respect of elders, community and visitors. Oriah festival reflects the emotional integration, brotherhood and friendship among the citizens and also promotes prosperity, happiness and peace in the society.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the Oriah festival as the chief guest at Longding. He praised the Wancho for preserving their indigenous culture in its pure form for generations, the rich, colourful and vibrant culture that flourishes during one of the happiest festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.