Arunachal Pradesh Launches India’s First Sunrise Festival at Dong Valley

Arunachal Pradesh has taken a landmark step in sustainable tourism by inaugurating India’s first-ever Sunrise Festival at the iconic Dong Valley in Anjaw district. The five-day festival, officially launched by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, celebrates the unique geographical distinction of Dong Valley where the first sunrise of India touches the land each day.

Designed with a long-term vision, the Sunrise Festival is rooted in the principle of “leave no trace”, aiming to promote responsible tourism while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for local communities. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
 

A Festival Focused on Sustainability and Community Growth

Speaking about the initiative, Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized that the festival is not a one-time event but a carefully planned movement to support local entrepreneurship, small businesses, and community-led tourism. By encouraging eco-conscious travel practices, the festival seeks to ensure that tourism development benefits the region without disturbing its fragile ecosystem.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the festival will grow gradually over the years, strictly adhering to the philosophy of “leave no trash, leave no trace”, making Dong Valley a model destination for sustainable tourism in India.
 

Celebrating India’s First Dawn

The Sunrise Festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the earliest sunrise in the country, a phenomenon that gives Dong Valley both symbolic and national significance. The 2025–26 edition is envisioned as a vibrant gathering of artists, cultural performers, explorers, scholars, photographers, and travellers from across India and around the world.

More than just a visual spectacle, the festival represents new beginnings, positioning Dong Valley as a place where India’s day and spirit begins.
 

Positioning Arunachal Pradesh on the Global Tourism Map

Spanning five days, the Sunrise Festival is a strategic effort to establish Arunachal Pradesh as a global destination for nature, culture, adventure, and heritage tourism. The event aligns with the growing demand for experiential and meaningful travel, particularly among travellers seeking offbeat and pristine destinations.

Located in the remote Anjaw district, near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, Dong Valley holds immense geographical, cultural, and strategic importance. Its untouched landscapes and tranquil environment make it ideal for sunrise tourism, eco-travel, and cultural immersion.
 

Honouring Indigenous Heritage

Dong Valley is home to the Meyor tribe, an indigenous community known for its simple lifestyle and deep-rooted connection with nature. The festival places strong emphasis on showcasing local traditions, indigenous knowledge, and community participation, ensuring that tourism growth remains inclusive and respectful of local heritage.

By highlighting the lives and culture of the Meyor people, the Sunrise Festival also serves as a platform to preserve and promote indigenous identity in a rapidly changing world.
 

A New Chapter in India’s Experiential Tourism

With the launch of the Sunrise Festival, Arunachal Pradesh is redefining how destinations can leverage natural phenomena responsibly to create unique travel experiences. The initiative marks a significant step in India’s evolving tourism landscape, where sustainability, community empowerment, and experiential travel take centre stage.

As travellers increasingly look beyond conventional destinations, Dong Valley’s Sunrise Festival stands out as a powerful symbol of responsible tourism where nature, culture, and community come together to welcome a new day, and a new future, for Indian travel.