Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said that the Sunrise Festival held at Dong in Anjaw district holds immense potential not only for the remote border district but for the state as a whole, describing it as a visionary initiative that blends tourism, culture, and sustainability.

The Sunrise Festival, being organised for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh, is centred around a rare and distinctive natural phenomenon—the earliest sunrise in India. Dong, a small village in Anjaw district near the India–China border, is widely regarded as the place where the first rays of the sun touch Indian soil each day, making it a unique destination for travellers and nature enthusiasts.

Calling the opening day of the festival a “magical experience,” Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh welcomed the country’s first sunrise amid gentle winds, lush green surroundings, and warm morning sunlight. Sharing visuals from the festival on social media platform X, the chief minister said the early hours at Dong, marked by yoga and meditation sessions, beautifully reflected the serenity, spiritual energy, and natural charm of India’s easternmost frontier.

Khandu, along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, formally inaugurated the five-day Sunrise Festival on Monday at Dong. He said the event has been conceived with a long-term vision of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs, promoting responsible tourism, and helping small businesses grow in one of the most remote districts of the state.

“A decade from now, the aim is to see this festival grow while strictly following the principle of ‘leave no trash, leave no trace’,” the chief minister said. He added that the Sunrise Festival has the potential to become a signature event for Arunachal Pradesh, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad while preserving the fragile ecology of the region.

Emphasising the need for balance, Khandu said the focus would remain on ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation or the exclusion of local communities. “Community participation and environmental responsibility will remain at the core of this festival,” he said.

Nestled near the confluence of the Lohit River and the Himalayan foothills, Dong is known as one of the most offbeat and unexplored destinations in India. The Sunrise Festival aims to transform the daily natural phenomenon of the earliest sunrise into a shared cultural and experiential celebration, bringing together travellers, artists, and local communities to mark new beginnings.

According to officials, the inaugural day of the festival saw visitors settling into the village with traditional welcomes and vibrant cultural performances by indigenous communities. The mornings began with guided treks to the sunrise viewpoint, yoga and meditation sessions, and quiet moments of reflection as the sun rose over the mountains, creating a deeply immersive experience for participants.

The festival also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through village walks, storytelling sessions, music, art residencies, and interactive programmes. Special focus has been placed on introducing visitors to the traditions and way of life of the indigenous Meyor tribe, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Adding another dimension to the event, the Indian Army set up an impressive display at the venue, showcasing modern equipment and technology. The exhibition highlighted the preparedness and presence of the armed forces in the strategically important frontier region, while also engaging visitors and locals alike.

The Sunrise Festival will continue until January 2, with each day dedicated to themes such as culture, adventure, renewal, and gratitude. The event will culminate in the first sunrise of the New Year, followed by a closing ceremony honouring local communities, volunteers, and participants who contributed to making the festival a success.

Officials said the festival is expected to play a key role in placing Anjaw district and Dong village on the tourism map, while reinforcing Arunachal Pradesh’s image as a destination that values nature, culture, and sustainable development.