PROJECT REPORT ON

Cultural Tourism,
a case study of Lower Subansiri
District of Arunachal Pradesh.

(PTS-04)

Submitted by:-

Ms. Taba Lissi

Enrollment No.: 2109189090

Submitted to:-

Programme Coordinator (Tourism Studies)

School of Social Science, IGNOU
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the project report entitled “Cultural Tourism, a case

study of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh” submitted by me for

the partial fulfillment of the Bachelors in Tourism Studies to Indira Gandhi

National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi is my original work and has not

been submitted earlier to IGNOU or to any other institution for the fulfillment of

the requirement for any course of study. I also declare that no chapter of this

manuscript in whole or in part is lifted and incorporated in this report from any

earlier work done by others or me.

Signature :

Place: Name : Ms. Taba Lissi

Date: Enrollment No. :2109189090
 Programme Code : BTS
Course Code : PTS-04
Enrolment No. : 2109189090
Study Centre Code : 0301
Regional Centre : Itanagar RC

Cultural Tourism,
a case study of Lower Subansiri District of
Arunachal Pradesh.
Project Report submitted to the Indira Gandhi National Open University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelors Degree in
Tourism Studies. I hereby declare that this is my original work and has not been
submitted elsewhere.

Signature of the Candidate : ___________________________

Name of the Candidate : MS. TABA LISSI
Email id : ___________________________
Institutional Address, if any : ___________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Year __________________________________________________________

CERTIFICATE
Certified that the Project Report entitled “Cultural Tourism, a case study
of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh” submitted by Ms. Taba Lissi
is his/her own work and has been done under my supervision.
It is recommended that this Project be placed before the examiner for
evaluation.

Name : Shri. Devadhar Sengdo

Designation : Assistant Professor,
Address : DNGC, Itanagar, A.P.
Study Centre : Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar
Regional Centre : Itanagar Regional Centre
Date : _____________
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I feel indebted to my guide Shri. Devadhar Sengdo, for the completion of

the project report entitled “Cultural Tourism, a case study of Lower Subansiri

District of Arunachal Pradesh”. The present work could be completed only

because of the able guidance and affectionate attitude of my guide Shri.

Devadhar Sengdo.

I am thankful to all respondents and all those who assisted me by supplying

the requisite information towards the completion of the questionnaire thereby

enabling me to collect the relevant data.

Signature :

Name : Ms. Taba Lissi

Enrollment No. :2109189090
 TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION
CERTIFICATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 1
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................................... 2
Culture in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh ............................................................... 2
Tribes & Beliefs ................................................................................................................................ 3
Festivals ............................................................................................................................................ 3
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................ 4
SCOPE OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................................................... 5
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY .......................................................................................................... 6
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 7
PRIMARY DATA: ........................................................................................................................... 7
SECONDARY DATA: ..................................................................................................................... 7
LOWER SUBANSIRI : THE LAND OF COLOURFUL TRIBES AND DIVERSE CULTURE ........ 8
CULTURE & HERITAGE ............................................................................................................... 9
TRIBES ............................................................................................................................................ 9
APATANI ................................................................................................................................... 10
NYISHI ....................................................................................................................................... 11
FESTIVALS ................................................................................................................................... 11
NYOKUM FESTIVAL ................................................................................................................... 12
Dree Festival ............................................................................................................................... 16
FOLK DANCES: ............................................................................................................................ 21
CULTURAL TOURISM: ARUNACHAL’S STRENGTH ................................................................ 34
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS OF THE STUDY ............................................................................... 36
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................. 37
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 38
 INTRODUCTION

At the top of North-Eastern Region (NER) of India lies Arunachal Pradesh

located between 26°30’ north and 29°30’ north Latitude and 91°30’ east and
97°30’ east Longitude. With an area of 83,743 sq. km, it is the largest state among
North Eastern states of India. Arunachal Pradesh is surrounded by Myanmar in
the east, Bhutan in the west, China on the north and the state of Assam in the
south. The population density is 17 persons per sq. km which is thinnest
population density in the country. There are 26 major tribes and more than 100
sub-tribes in the state. Each tribe has its own belief system & has rich cultural
heritage ranging from dresses, dances, festivals and foods. Besides a rich cultural
canvas this tribal state offers religious places like more than 400 years old Golden
Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery), Parasuramkund etc. The state finds
mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. Places like
Malinithan and Itanagar have important archaeological value. Arunachal Pradesh
has beautiful lakes like Gyakar Sinyi (Ganga Lake), Lake Paradise (Sela Lake),
Lake Sange Tser (Madhuri Lake) etc. The state is rich in species of flora and
fauna, and has a number of wild life sanctuaries, national parks and reserves.
Arunachal Pradesh provides abundant scope for angling, boating, rafting,
trekking, hiking etc. Arunachal Pradesh offers a complete package for tourism.

PTS-04 1
 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Culture in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh

The District has a rich cultural heritage. The Inhabitant of this District are
worshipers of Sun(donyi) and polo (moon) called donyi-poloism. They believed
that our earth is blessed with abundant of natural resources which is because of
the blessing of Sun and Moon. Hence they do animal sacrifices to repay their God
and Goddess for this blessing. The major festival of Apatanis of this Valley is
Myoko, Murung and Dree usually celebrated on March, January and July
respectively. The Nyishis of this District celebrate Nyokum and Boori-Boot.

Figure 1: Various cultures of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh

PTS-04 2
Tribes & Beliefs

The culture of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh is truly

varied in the sense that the district has 2 major distinct tribes. Each tribe has their
own unique set of traditions and customs. The major distinct tribes of Lower
Subansiri District are : Apatani and Nyishi.
The sun and the moon are the presiding deities of both the major tribes who
follow the Donyi-Polo religion (the name stands for sun and moon).

Festivals

Lower Subansiri’s cultural lifestyle is dominated by colourful festivals.

Since agriculture is the mainstay here so people generally celebrate festivals as a
mark of thanksgiving to the Almighty for giving them a good harvest. These
festivals also showcase the artistic skills of the both the tribes. To experience the
cultural festivals of the state, one should visit Lower Subansiri district which is
very popular for festivities.

PTS-04 3
 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Primary objective of the study is to identify the potential for Cultural

Tourism in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.

Secondary objectives are as follows:

o To assess the socio-economic conditions of Lower Subansiri District of

Arunachal Pradesh.

o To highlight the need to promote tourism in Lower Subansiri District of

Arunachal Pradesh.

PTS-04 4
 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study attempts to identify the key elements in the culture of Lower
Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh, which can play a vital role in promoting
cultural tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.

The study also makes an attempt to assess the socio-economic status of

Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh and suggests the importance of
promoting tourism in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.

The study finally suggests that the diversity among the tribes of Lower
Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh, itself can play a very prominent role in
promoting cultural tourism in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.

PTS-04 5
 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The field is very vast to study in such a limited period of time. Thus, time
was a limitation in this study.

Also mobility to visit the various places and to witness the elements in the
grass root level was also limited.

Availability of resources has also been a limitation to the study.

PTS-04 6
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Convenience sample of non-probability sampling method is used for the

study. This sampling is used because the respondents are included merely on
account of being available on the spot where the survey is in progress.

PRIMARY DATA:

Primary data were collected through personal interview of the learned

people, focus group interview, and online interaction with the people belonging
to the community.

SECONDARY DATA:

Secondary data were collected through important web portals, e-books,

books and other published items.

PTS-04 7
 LOWER SUBANSIRI : THE LAND OF COLOURFUL
TRIBES AND DIVERSE CULTURE

There are 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes in Arunachal
Pradesh with its own different traditions and customs. A group of the population
such as the Monpas and Sherdukpens in West Kameng and Tawang districts of
Arunachal Pradesh follow Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Their worship centre
is known as Gompa (Buddhist Monastery). Membas and Khambas are also
followers of Mahayana Buddhism. On the other hand tribes like Khamptis and
Singphos follow Hinayana sect of Buddhism.

The second group consists of tribes like Adis, Galos, Apatanis,

Nyishis, Mishmis etc. are the worshipers of the Sun and the Moon God namely
Donyi-Polo. They believe in one common ancestor known as Abo-Tani. The
third group comprises of Noctes, Wangchos, Tangsas etc. of Tirap, Longding &
Changlang Districts. The elementary form of Vaishnavism is practiced by the
Noctes.

The District of Lower Subansiri, which is lying approximately between

92º40′ and 94°21′ East Longitude and 26°55″ and 28°21′ North Latitudes, covers
an area of 3,460 (approx) Sq.km., is bounded on the North by Kra-Daadi and
Kamle Districts of Arunachal; on the South by Papum Pare District of Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam ; on the East by Kamle; and on the West by Kra-Daadi and
Papumpare Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The altitude of Lower Subansiri
district headquarters is 1500 meters above sea level.

PTS-04 8
Figure 2: Map of Lower Subansiri

CULTURE & HERITAGE

The District has a rich cultural heritage. The Inhabitant of this District are
worshipers of Sun(donyi) and polo (moon) called donyipoloism. They believed
that our earth is blessed with abundant of natural resources which is because of
the blessing of Sun and Moon. Hence they do animal sacrifices to repay their God
and Goddess for this blessing. The major festival of Apatanis of this Valley is
Myoko, Murung and Dree usually celebrated on March, January and July
respectively. The Nyishis of this District celebrate Nyokum Boori-Boot and
Longte Yullo on February, February and April respectively.

TRIBES

The culture of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh is truly

varied in the sense that the district has 2 major distinct tribes. Each tribe has their

PTS-04 9
own unique set of traditions and customs. The major distinct tribes of Lower
Subansiri Distict are : Apatanis and Nyishis.

APATANI

The Apatani are a tribal group of people living in the Ziro valley in the
Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh in India.

Customs and lifestyle:

Their wet rice cultivation system and their agriculture system are extensive
even without the use of any farm animals or machines. So is their sustainable
social forestry system. UNESCO has proposed the Apatani valley for inclusion
as a World Heritage Site for its “extremely high productivity” and “unique” way
of preserving the ecology. They have two major festivals – Dree and Myoko. In
July, the agricultural festival of Dree is celebrated with prayers for a bumper
harvest and prosperity of all humankind. Pakhu-Itu, Daminda, Piree dance, etc.,
are the main cultural programmes performed in the festival. Myoko is a festival
to celebrate friendship similar to modern friendship day but unlike the latter
which lasts only for a day, it is celebrated for almost a month long, from the end
of March to the end of April. Apatanis trace their descent patrilineally.

The Apatanis, one of the major ethnic groups of the eastern Himalayas, has
a distinct civilization with systematic land use practices and rich traditional
ecological knowledge of natural resources management and conservation,
acquired over the centuries through informal experimentation. The tribe is known
for its colorful culture with various festivals, intricate handloom designs, skills in
cane and bamboo crafts, and vibrant traditional village councils called bulyañ.
This has made Ziro Valley a good example of a living cultural landscape where
man and environment have harmoniously existed together in a state of

PTS-04 10
interdependence even through changing times, such co-existence being nurtured
by the traditional customs and spiritual belief systems.

NYISHI

The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh in north-
eastern India. In Nishi, their traditional language, Nyi refers to “a man” and the
word shi denotes “a being”, which combined together refers to a civilized human
being. They are spread across seven districts of Arunachal Pradesh: Kra Daadi,
Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, West Kameng, Papum Pare, parts of Lower
Subansiri and Upper Subansiri. They also live in the Sonitpur and North
Lakhimpur districts of Assam.

Their population of around 300,000 makes them the most populous tribe
of Arunachal Pradesh, closely followed by the combined tribes of the Adis and
the Galos who were the most populous in the 2001 census. The Nyishi language
belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, however, the origin is disputed.

Polygamy is prevalent among the Nyishi. It signifies one’s social status

and economical stability and also proves handy during hard times like clan wars
or social hunting and various other social activities. This practice, however is
diminishing especially with the modernization and also with the spread of
Christianity. They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several
clans.

FESTIVALS
Lower Subansiri’s cultural lifestyle is dominated by colourful festivals.
Since agriculture is the mainstay here so people generally celebrate festivals as a
mark of thanksgiving to the Almighty for giving them a good harvest. These
festivals also showcase the artistic skills of the both the tribes. To experience the

PTS-04 11
cultural festivals of the state, one should visit Lower Subansiri district which is
very popular for festivities. The Nyishis and Aplatanis People of Lower Subansiri
District of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates number of festivals- agricultural,
religious and socio-cultural, which provide them opportunity to relax, enjoy,
dance, eat, drink and display ethnic beautiful traditions.

Tribe Festival Month (Approx.)

Nyishi Nyokum Yullo February
Boori-Boot Yullo February
Longte Yullo April
Apatani Dree July
Myoko April
Murung January
Table 1: Festival of Lower Subansiri

NYOKUM FESTIVAL
Nyokum is a festival celebrated by the Nyishi tribe of the Indian state of
Arunachal Pradesh. The Word Nyokum has been derived from the combination
of two words – Nyok means land (earth) and Kum means collectiveness or
togetherness. Therefore, the Nyokum festival may very well be interpreted as
inviting all the Gods and Goddesses of the universe, with the Nyokum Goddess
as the principal deity, to a particular venue at a particular time. The festival is
commonly celebrated by the people from all class and walk of life for better
productivity, prosperity and happiness of all human beings on earth.

PTS-04 12
 Figure 3: Nyokum festival of Nyishi Tribes

Significance

The festival has a close link with cultivation. The Nyokum goddess, the
goddess of prosperity is invoked for her blessings so that there may be more and
more production of food-grains in the next harvesting season, that the visit of
famine may be warded off, and that drought or flood may not hamper cultivation,
nor should any insect or animal destroy plants and crops. The Goddess is invoked
so that the human race may be strengthened and regenerated. All should be free
from unnatural death due to accident, war and epidemic.

Ui or Oram Nyoko is the place meant for the life after death. It is also
believed that there are numerous deities and spirits on earth. These are the deities
and spirits of mountains, rivers, forest, animals crops, household and so on and
so forth. Some of the spirits are benevolent and others are malevolent. The Nyishi
believe that human beings can live a life of peace and prosperity on this earth

PTS-04 13
only when a perfect harmony is maintained between man, God and nature. They
also believe that prosperity and happiness can come to a man when God and
nature are pleased. Misery, hardship and natural calamities like famine, flood,
drought, earthquake, epidemic, warfare, accidental death and such unwanted
incidents occur due to the displeasure and wrath of the God and Goddess of
nature. It is, therefore, the Nyishi worship to propitiate the benevolent Gods and
Goddess to protect and bring prosperity to them and to ward off the malevolent
spirits from disturbing the peace and tranquility in their life, Nyokum Yullow is
one of such propitiation.

Rituals

The main prayer structure of the Nyishi is made of bamboo, called the
yugang. Alongside the yugang sacrificial animals are tethered. Like cows,
mithuns, and goats. Often one finds small chickens hung from bamboo poles of
the yugang. The nyubh or the traditional priest specifies the number and kinds of
animals for sacrifice, or any other offering to be made. There are no idols in this
worship. Neither is there any permanent structure. Besides the animal sacrifice,
beer made from millet seeds and rice paste is used.

PTS-04 14
Figure 4: Nyokum festival altar

People turn up wearing their traditional clothes during this time. The men
dress in a cotton eri robe draped from the shoulder and reaching the thighs. From
their neck hangs a variety of bead jewellery necklaces. Often semi precious stones
like turquoise adorn these necklaces. The men’s attire is topped by a bamboo
woven cap on the head. This cap is decorated with feathers or furs of wild
animals. The beak of the hornbill is a favorite ornament for the traditional cap.
The women also dress in their finery of par ej, earrings bead necklaces, topped
with a headdress made of finely scaped bamboo.

There is singing and dancing before the head priest or nyubh comes with
his attendants to perform the main ritual. Guests are welcomed with rice paste
powder, and opo or millet seed beer which is scooped in dried gourd ladles. The
song and dance are performed in a group. Usually men and women hold hands in
a circular form and sing and dance these lines Nyokum bo tapa debe. And
sometimes men dance mock fights with dao (short sword) and shield made of
animal hide.

PTS-04 15
Dree Festival

The Apatanis, who inhabit a tranquil pine clad valley called Ziro at the core
of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh, are famous for their unique
practice of wet rice cultivation. They are also known for their sustainable
agricultural practices and the agricultural cycles govern their everyday lives. The
agricultural festival of Dree is the highlight in this cycle.

Figure 5: Dree festival of Apatani tribes.

Mythological aspects

In the beginning, humans wandered around foraging for food. It was Anii
Donii and Abba Liibo who began cultivation in the fertile lands of IIpyo supuñ.
Thus Anii Donii was the first human to start a settled life while Abba Liibo was
the first to start cultivation.

PTS-04 16
 With the first batch of spades – Turú dipe and the first batch of machetes –
Tiigyó ilyo', bushes and vegetations were cleared from large tracts of land.
Invoking the winds from the north and the south, the leavings were burnt. Next,
the soil was prepared for sowing.

Figure 6: Women dancing on Dree

Plots of agriculture were ready, but no paddy seeds were available. So, the
search for the seeds begun. In the process, Anii Donii and Abba Lwbo reached
Murtú Lembyañ from where they obtained the seeds of pyapiñ and pyare varieties
of paddy along with the seeds of cucumber and corns from Murtú Yariñ.
Something was still lacking and the search continued. When Anẁ̀ Donw and
Abba Liibo looked into the stomach of the wild rats it was full of grasses and
herbs while that of the wild boar was full of salyó and sankhe'. However, it was
in the stomach of the dilyañ kubu – the field rat that they found the seeds of empu
and elañ varieties of paddy. They trailed the field rat with the help of a dog and
finally located the source of the seeds. At a place called Hirii Lyandiñ, the paddy
seeds were found stuck high above on the branches of Hirii Tanguñ tree, along
with tayú and tagyá – varieties of bees. Thus, the empú and elañ were obtained
from Hirii Anii.

PTS-04 17
 All the varieties of paddy – pyapiñ and pyare, obtained from Murtu as well
as empu and elañ, obtained from Hirii were originally obtained from Hintii Anii.

When Anii Donii and Abba Liibo set out to sow the seeds in IIpyo Supuñ,
rains and storms came to disturb them. They overcame them, equipped with
baskets of taser and rain guards of tarpì. Then, Anii Donii and Abba Lwbo were
constantly disturbed in their cultivation works and their life made miserable by a
demon named Pyokuñ Pembò Pyoyi Tadù. This demon was finally eliminated
with great efforts but their struggle was far from over. From the stomach of
Pyokuñ Pembò Pyoyi Tadù emerged swarms of insects, pests and rice eating
birds. They attacked the crops in the fields which led to poor harvest, and
subsequent hunger and famines.

It was in order to counter the menace of insects, pests and diseases, and to
alleviate the impending hunger and famines that a series of rituals were observed
in the month of Dree. Achí Kharii or Dulu Talañ Myama Pwkha was the first
priest, who was assisted by a committee called the Dree Pontañ. This committee
consisted of Huli Gorì Hula Gora – the village committee, Huní Mitur Huna
Mikiñ - the learned and wise village elders, Kharii Khatii - the high priests and
Gwtú Gwra - the general public. They collected voluntary donations from every
household to meet the requirements of the Dree rituals.

Pyodu Au and Dree Yarii are believed to be the forces that cause scarcity
of food and bring hunger and sufferings to humanity. The damage caused to crops
by insects and pests, together with hunger brought by Pyodu Au and Dree Yarii
lead to famine. Thus, the Dree rituals are observed to ward off these forces during
June–July, corresponding to Dree Pwlo of the Apatanis. During the taboo period
that follows, celebration of victory over evil forces takes place. This is how Dree
festival came to be celebrated.

PTS-04 18
 Dree rituals are the Tamù, Metii, Meder and Mepiñ. The Tamù is
propitiated to ward off the insects and pests. The Metii is propitiated to ward off
epidemics and other ailments of the human beings. The purification ritual of
Meder is performed to cleanse the agricultural fields of unfavorable elements.
This series of rituals is concluded with Mepiñ, which is performed to seek
blessings for healthy crops and well-being of mankind. In the modern Dree, the
Danyi is also propitiated for fertility of the soil, abundance of aquatic lives in the
rice fields, healthy cattle and for prosperity of all human beings.

Figure 7: Offering in dree festival

In the olden days, each village performed Dree rites separately at their
respective villages on different dates as per the convenience of the village level
organizing committees. It was in the year 1967 that the senior students of Apatani
society led by Shri Lod Kojee organised the Dree centrally at a common ground
at Siilañ Ditiñ for the first time. Since then, celebration during taboo period takes
place centrally with fun and gaiety. Competitions of iisañ - high jump and giibii
– traditional wrestling for youths are organised, while the ladies engaged

PTS-04 19
themselves in damiñda - folk dance competition. The elders exhibit their
knowledge with ayú and bwsi competitions.

While the modes of celebration have changed with time, the original rituals
started by the ancestors in IIpyó Supuñ are meticulously followed until this day
and the objective of the festival remains the same – for a healthy crop, a bumper
harvest and overall prosperity of mankind.

The ritual

Figure 8: Performing ritual

During the Dree festival, five main deities are appeased. These are: Tamù,
Metii, Meder, Mepiñ and Danyi.

Tamu : It is propitiated to ward off the insects and pests.

Metii : It is propitiated to ward off epidemics and other ailments of the

human beings.

PTS-04 20
Meder : It is a purification ritual performed to cleanse the agricultural fields
of unfavourable elements.

Mepiñ : It is performed to seek blessings for healthy crops and well-being

of mankind.

Danyi : Danyi is also propitiated for fertility of the soil, abundance of

aquatic lives in the rice fields, healthy cattle and for prosperity of all
human beings. Earlier, the Danyi was not performed during the Dree
rituals, it was for first time introduced in 1967 as to sacrifice a
Mithun donated by Late Millo Kacho.

FOLK DANCES:
Some of the dances even use specially designed machete as a musical
instrument. Some other important musical instruments are cymbals, drums, conch
shell, trumpets etc. The dances can be ritualistic, recreational & dramatic. Some
of the popular dances of Arunachal Pradesh are shown in table 2

Tribe Festival
Nyishi Rikhampada Dance
War Dance
Bhuya Dance
Bamboo Dance
Apatani Daminda Dance
War Dance
Paku-Itu
Piree dance
Table 2: Folk Dances of Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh

PTS-04 21
Figure 10: Rikampada dance of Nyishi tribes

Figure 9: Daminda dance of Apatani tribes

PTS-04 22
 Figure 12: Bamboo dance of Nyishi tribes

Figure 11: War dance of Nyishi tribes

PTS-04 23
Figure 14: Paku-itu dance of Apatani tribes

Figure 13: Piree dance of Apatani tribes

PTS-04 24
 Figure 16: Apatani war dance

Figure 15: Last group of women with tattoo

PTS-04 25
Arts and Crafts:
Arunachal Pradesh is a land of beautiful handicrafts comprising of wide
range in variety.
All the people have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship. Handicraft and
artisan works provide sizeable amount of additional income source to the village
economy.
In a number of cases, such activities become mainstay of the households.
However, in the surveyed villages, it is found that the majority of the households
are not interested in handicraft and other artisan works.

Figure 17: Jewellery of Apatani Tribes

PTS-04 26
 Figure 18: Jewellery of Nyishi Tribes

In 11 of the 25 villages under study, handicraft works are simultaneously

done with agricultural works. Altogether 85 households (around 4 percent) are
actively associated with the artisan works in the studied villages. However, as
reported, most of the products in this segment do not have a proper market.
Insufficiency of raw materials is another serious problem.

Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh despite having immense

bounty of nature still finds itself in the category of laggards as far as socio-
economic development is concern. If socio-economic development is to be
sustained, Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh will have to look for
better opportunities.

PTS-04 27
Lists of art and craft are as follows:-
1. Cane & Bamboo articles like –Ladies Back sack, Gents Back sack, stools,
Cane furniture, decorative items and domestic used Items.
2. Silver smithy Like – Ladies traditionally decorated headgear, Earring etc.
Cane & Bamboo items.
3. Wooden Statue, Carpet, and Cane & Bamboo Items – furniture, domestic
used Items and decorative item etc.

Figure 19: Handicrafts

Figure 20: Handicraft

PTS-04 28
Figure 21: Handlooms

Figure 22: Handlooms

PTS-04 29
 Figure 23: Jewellery

Figure 24: Jewellery

PTS-04 30
 Figure 25: Colourful Handicraft

Figure 26: Colourful Handicraft

PTS-04 31
Literacy Rate:
According to India Census the literacy rate in Lower Subansiri is the 2nd
highest in whole of Arunachal Pradesh. The table below reflects the literacy rate
in Arunachal Pradesh.
S.No. District Name Population Literates Literacy
1. Papumpare 176,573 121,048 79.95%
2. Lower Subansiri 83,030 54,057 74.35%
3. East Siang 99,214 62,576 72.54%
4. Lower Dibang Valley 54,080 31,849 69.13%
5. Lohit 145,726 83,062 68.18%
6. West Kameng 83,947 48,492 67.07%
7. West Siang 112,274 64,746 66.46%
8. Dibang Valley 8,004 4,436 64.10%
9. Upper Subansiri 83,448 45,278 63.80%
10. East Kameng 78,690 38,449 60.02%
11. Upper Siang 35,320 18,195 59.99%
12. Changlang 148,226 73,174 59.80%
13. Tawang 49,977 26,073 59.00%
14. Anjaw 21,167 9,990 56.46%
15. Tirap 111,975 47,974 52.19%
16. Kurung Kumey 92,076 36,606 48.75%
Literacy rate in Arunachal Pradesh 65.38%
Table 3: Literacy rate

PTS-04 32
 Another increasing problem of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal
Pradesh is the high migration towards urban areas especially in the Papum Pare
District of Arunachal Pradesh that houses the capital city of Itanagar which calls
for caution. According to 2011 census the district has a population of 176,385
which indicates population growth over the decade 2001-2011 at 44.57%. This
increase indicates that a massive migration is taking place from various parts of
the state to the Capital city because of the imbalanced development of the state.

PTS-04 33
 CULTURAL TOURISM: A STRENGTH

Lower Subansiri District has the potential of becoming a very important

cultural tourist destination of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Arunachal Pradesh was
adjudged as the 4th Best Region by Lonely Planet, BBC’s globally circulated
magazine in 2012.
The Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh was also voted as the
‘Favourite Upcoming Destination’ by Outlook Traveller readers, based on a
survey conducted in 2012 by IPSOS poll of readers through the magazine and its
website in January 2013. President of India conferred National Tourism Award
2011-12 in recognition of excellence and salutation of the nation to institutions
and individuals, including Arunachal Pradesh tourism department on 18th March
2013 for taking ‘Incredible India’ to newer heights.
The Department of Art & Culture has initiated various incentives and
infrastructures for the people living in villages and small towns of Lower
Subansiri District through various schemes of the state as well as centrally
sponsored schemes. Rs. 150.00 lakhs have been made towards funding of
festivals of all major tribes of the state for better preservation and promotion of
the state’s culture. Cultural cum community halls have been constructed in
remote villages of Lower Subansiri District to encourage people for cultural
activities.
There are inter-state cultural exchange programmes and folk dance
festivals organized in different districts and the state capital Itanagar. Lower
Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh has participated in various cultural
festivals outside the state such as Silver Jubilee Celebration of Zonal Cultural
Centres at Panchkula, Chandigarh in 2012, Lok Utsav 2013 at Midnapur, West
Bengal in January 2013, Bornil Sanskirtik samaroh at Guwahati and Vijay Diwas

PTS-04 34
celebration at Karad District, Satara, Maharastra, Goa Carnival Food & Cultural
Festival in February 2013 etc.
The department of Textile & Handicrafts bagged Bronze Medal and special
Commendation Certificate in India International Trade Fair which was held from
14th to 27th November 2012 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The department along
with local NGOs has also participated in the 11th India International Mega Trade
Fair at Kolkata from 14th to 24th December 2012.
During the 11th Five Year Plan 42 projects were sanctioned by the Ministry
of Tourism, Govt. of India for an amount of Rs. 156.02 Crores for creation of
infrastructure in the state.
The department has succeeded in sponsoring five events of Fair and
festivals in the state and has also earned a revenue amounting of Rs. 1,90,81,330.
Skill development and capacity building of the various stake holders like, Tour
Operators, Hoteliers, and Transporters etc. were carried out with the financial
assistance of the Ministry of Tourism and State fund under Human Resource
Development.
A premier institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and
Applied Nutrition has been sanctioned for the state.
Compared with the data of tourist inflow in the state during 2005 there has
been a tremendous increase of 291% in the year 2010.

PTS-04 35
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

✓ The people of Lower Subansiri District have diverse cultural practices.

✓ The people of Lower Subansiri District have different forms of dances,
handicrafts, and festivals depending on their tribe, occasion and
geographical area.
✓ There are festivals around the year in Lower Subansiri District. With
distinct tribes and belief systems, Lower Subansiri District is such a state
where there are festivals and celebrations round the year.
✓ The socio-economic condition of Lower Subansiri District is not good. As
the people are mainly depended on the government jobs and other aids
from the central government.
✓ Tourism can boost the socio-economic condition of Lower Subansiri
District.
✓ Lower Subansiri District has the potential for Cultural Tourism.
✓ The culture of Lower Subansiri District is unique and attractive.
✓ If promoted properly, Lower Subansiri District can earn huge revenue.

PTS-04 36
 CONCLUSION
With a multi-cultural tribal population offering a rainbow of unadulterated
traditions, Lower Subansiri District is poised to become an important ‘Cultural
tourism destination’. Large number of tribes their cultural diversity, indigenous
practices encompassing their life-styles have tremendous potentials to attract
tourist in the state if supported by necessary infrastructure & right policies.
Tourism being a sector with high multiplier rate of 2 has the potential to
bring a complete ‘turn around’ in the state’s economy, which is having a very low
population. Lessons can be learned from the success of Sikkim, a small state in
NE India, which has created a big place for itself in the tourism map of the
country.
Lower Subansiri District of late has attracted the attention of policy makers
and a reasonably good financing is diverted for the growth of tourism here.
Infrastructure which is a major impediment needs to be developed further, if
cultural tourism in state is to be developed. Other barriers like ILP which is found
to be having a negative effect on tourist’s psyche, needs to be made simpler, if
not summoned completely.
Tourism policies have to be facilitative rather than restrictive under present
scenario, wherever established tourist destinations are under pressure due to stiff
competition coming from ‘global tourist destinations’.
Cultural tourism which is recognized as Arunachal’s strength should be the
‘focal point’ in Lower Subansiri District Tourism’s positioning; showcasing its
cultural diversity with facilitative policies would help in realizing its true
potentials for the development.
However, tourism policies and interventions should conform to the age old
philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhawa’.

PTS-04 37
 REFERENCES

❖ Business in India. Cultural Tourism India.

Retrieved on 10.04.2014 from the website
http://business.mapsofindia.com/tourism-industry /types/ cultural.html
❖ NIC, Arunachal Pradesh Unit. Official website of Government of
Arunachal Pradesh. Tourism. Retrieved on 10.04.2014 from the website
http://arunachalpradesh.gov.in/tourism.htm
❖ NIC, Arunachal Pradesh Unit. Official website of Government of
Arunachal Pradesh. People.
Retrieved on 10.04.2014 from the website
http://arunachalpradesh.gov.in/people.htm
❖ Department of Information, Public Relations & Printing. Govt. of A.P.
Basic Data of Arunachal Pradesh (As per census 2011)
Retrieved from the website http://arunachalipr.gov.in/StateBStatistics.htm
❖ Echo of Arunachal (2014, 21st May). Arunachal Tourism receives two
honours in a year. Retrieved from the website
http://www.echoofarunachal.com/?p=35410
❖ All about women (2013, May 8) Arunachal Pradesh wins Lonely Planet
tourism award.
Retrieved from the website http://www.allaboutwomen.in/arunachal-
pradesh-wins-lonelyplanet-tourism-award/
❖ Manorama Year Book 2013. Kottayam: Malayala Manorama Press
❖ Raghuram G Rajan Report on ‘Committee for Evolving a Composite
Development Index of States’ (Source: http://finmin.nic.in /reports/
Report_CompDevState.pdf)

PTS-04 38
 ❖ M/s Consulting Engineering Services (India) Pvt. Limited - CES, New
Delhi. Preparation of 20 Years Perspective (Tourism) Plan for the State of
Arunachal Pradesh 2002013\FR\UP.
Retrieved from the website
http://tourism.gov.in/writereaddata/CMSPagePicture/file/marketresearch/
Survay&Study/Pplan/arunchal%20pradesh.pdf
❖ Department of Information and Public Relations. Government of
Arunachal Pradesh. (2011). Special Souvenir released on the occasion of
completion of 25 years of statehood.
❖ Department of Information and Public Relations. Government of
Arunachal Pradesh. (2013)Special Souvenir prepared on the occasion of
completion of 27 years of statehood.
❖ Ret. Col. Grewal D.S. (1997). Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh: Identity,
culture & language. (Volume One, pp. 50-54, 57-63).
New Delhi: South Asia Publications. Nair P.T. (1985). Tribes of Arunachal
Pradesh. Guwahati: Spectrum Publications.
❖ Bose M.L. (1997). History of Arunachal Pradesh. (pp. 32, 35-39, 260-261).
New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company.
❖ Chowdhury J.N. (1982). Arunachal through the ages, from frontier tracts
to Union Territory. Shillong: Jaya Chowdhury.
❖ Boyd, S. and Butler, R., “Managing Eco-Tourism an Opportunity
Spectrum Approach”, Tourism Management, Vol.17, No.8, 1996, pp.557-
566
❖ https://arunachaltourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Spirtitual.pdf
❖ Information brochures from Department of Tourism, GoAP.
❖ Local newspapers and magazines.
❖ Ministry of Tourism : www.tourism.gov.in

PTS-04 39