ZIRO, Jul 5: The Dree festival, an important agricultural celebration of the Apatani community, was observed across the state with traditional fervour and cultural performances, bringing together community members, officials and well-wishers in multiple districts.
At the 36th Hong Dree Festival held at Hanoko Ground in Hong village, Ziro, health and family welfare and WRD minister Biyuram Wahge addressed the gathering and commended the Apatani community for preserving its cultural heritage through the celebration of Dree.
Wahge emphasised the importance of safeguarding the mythology and customs linked to the Abotani tradition and urged the youth of the state to promote a Pan-Arunachal identity to strengthen peace and unity.
Highlighting health concerns in the region, Wahge noted that the state currently has the highest prevalence of female cancer patients in the country, while Mizoram has the highest among males. In response to this, the state government has initiated steps to establish a cancer hospital at Yupia in Papum Pare district to enhance access to affordable treatment in the coming years.
He also called upon the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and community-based organisations (CBOs) to continue fostering communal harmony. Recalling his participation in the 2015 Nyishi-Apatani Summit in Ziro, Wahge said such initiatives serve as valuable models for unity among communities.
The event at Ziro saw participation from legislators Mutchu Mithi and Hayeng Mangfi, AITF vice president (HQ) Tarh Tabin, and other community representatives. Festival committee chairman Takhe Taling and secretary Tapi Habung coordinated the proceedings, which included cultural displays, games, sports, and academic recognition. Students who excelled in Class X and XII board examinations, as well as achievers in various fields including the UPSC Civil Services Examination, were felicitated with prizes and trophies.
As part of the celebration, the Punyo Kaya Manu Foundation distributed bicycles to two school toppers from Government Secondary School, Hong and PM Shri Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Abasia Vidyalaya, Siro.
In Upper Subansiri district, Dree was celebrated at the Deputy Commissioner’s bungalow in Daporijo, where local MLA and adviser to the Minister for RD & PRI, Taniya Soki, attended as chief guest. The celebration, led by Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo and his spouse, was organised under the chairmanship of Dani Tassang with Gyati Nobin as general secretary.
The event brought together senior citizens, officials, panchayat leaders and members of the Apatani community residing in Daporijo and nearby areas. Among the attendees were SE PWD Nani Chailyang, ADC Kodako Myobia Tai, CO Tasso Duri, DSO Duyu Lampung, and TO Tasso Anda. Participants showcased a mix of traditional and modern cultural performances, concluding the celebration with the customary exchange of Hempyo Dree greetings.
Dree is observed annually by the Apatani community to invoke blessings for a pest-free and abundant harvest. The festival underscores the community’s agricultural roots and shared identity, and is marked by prayers, traditional dances, and social gatherings.
