Arunachal Pradesh is all set to welcome New Year 2026 from its easternmost tip with the launch of the Sunrise Festival 2025–26, an extraordinary adventure-led cultural and tourism celebration to be held at Dong village in Anjaw district—the first place in the country to witness sunrise. Scheduled from December 29 to January 2, 2026, the five-day festival marks a landmark initiative to position Arunachal Pradesh as a global destination for nature, culture, adventure, heritage, and New Year celebrations led by the sun.
Where India Wakes Up First
Dong Valley holds a rare and powerful distinction as the easternmost inhabited region of India, where the nation greets its first light each day. Nestled in the remote reaches of Anjaw district at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, Dong carries immense geographical, cultural, and strategic significance.
The valley is home to the indigenous Meyor tribe, a small and close-knit community known for its simplicity, resilience, and deep connection with nature. Symbolising India’s first dawn—both literally and metaphorically—Dong represents hope, renewal, and new beginnings. The Sunrise Festival celebrates this unique identity by inviting visitors from across the world to experience the moment when the first rays of the sun touch Indian soil.
A Vision Beyond Celebration
The Sunrise Festival 2025–26 is envisioned as a vibrant convergence of communities, artists, explorers, scholars, and travellers from across India and around the globe. Rooted in the idea of welcoming new beginnings from the land where the day begins for the nation, the festival seeks to evolve into a community-led, experience-driven destination festival guided by India’s first sunrise.
Designed to be among the most offbeat New Year celebrations in India, the festival is anchored in sustainability. Its guiding philosophy—“No Trash, No Trace, No Excuses”—ensures a responsible and eco-conscious experience, from the journey to Dong to witnessing the sunrise and participating in cultural and adventure activities.
Immersive Experiences at the Eastern Frontier
The festival offers a wide range of immersive programmes that blend tradition, adventure, and creativity. Highlights include:
Indigenous Sunrise Ceremonies welcoming the first light of each day
Cultural performances by diverse communities of Arunachal Pradesh
Adventure experiences such as guided treks, sunrise trails, nature walks, river activities, and eco-camping
Traditional art, craft, food, and cultural showcases
Engagement initiatives including workshops, folk art and craft sessions, plein-air art, storytelling, and photography expeditions
Village tours and artisan stalls, offering an authentic glimpse into local life
A special New Year celebration and Sunrise Pledge Ceremony will be held on January 1, 2026, marking the first sunrise of the New Year in India.
Leadership and Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Announcing the festival, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that Dong village—where India witnesses its first sunrise—will host Arunachal Pradesh’s first-ever Sunrise Festival from December 29 to January 2, 2026. He noted that the celebration will offer visitors a rare blend of nature, culture, and adventure, while showcasing the rich heritage of the state’s indigenous communities.
The Chief Minister further emphasised that the festival aims to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, create new livelihood opportunities for local communities, and establish Dong as a landmark of India’s geographical and cultural identity on the global tourism map.
A New Year Begins at the Edge of Dawn
As the sun rises over Dong Valley, it does more than mark the start of a new day—it signals a new journey for the nation. With its pristine landscapes, living traditions, and commitment to sustainability, the Sunrise Festival invites the world to begin New Year 2026 from the place where India awakens first, wrapped in hope, harmony, and cultural pride.
As India welcomed the first sunrise of New Year 2026, Dong Valley witnessed a historic moment with the inaugural First January event of the Sunrise Festival titled “ALO PRABHAT – Dance of the Dawn.” Marking the nation’s earliest dawn, the celebration brought together the indigenous Meyor and Mishmi communities in a powerful display of unity and cultural harmony. Set against the scenic landscape of India’s easternmost village, the event featured immersive artistic performances and the Sunrise Pledge (Alo Pradhan), symbolising hope, shared beginnings, and collective responsibility. The celebration reinforced the festival’s vision of blending culture, community participation, and sustainable tourism at the land where India greets its first light.
