The inaugural edition of the Festival of Arunachal 2026, organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, concluded successfully at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. The two-day festival marked a significant milestone in presenting the State’s rich cultural heritage and growing tourism potential to audiences in the national capital.
Held on 21–22 February 2026, the festival recorded a footfall of more than 6000 visitors across two days, reflecting strong public interest in Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse traditions, crafts and tourism offerings.
The festival brought together exhibitors from various tribes and districts of Arunachal Pradesh, showcasing indigenous handicrafts, handwoven textiles, organic agricultural products, traditional cuisine and community-led enterprises. Visitors experienced vibrant cultural performances, ethnic fashion presentations, soulful tribal music and the traditional Yak Dance. Curated audio-visual presentations further highlighted the State’s breathtaking landscapes and emerging tourism experiences.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Tourism, Rural Works, Libraries and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, said, “The Festival of Arunachal 2026 marks an important step in taking our State’s identity, culture and tourism offerings to a wider national audience. The festival showcases Arunachal Pradesh’s strengths in culture, handicrafts and tourism, while creating meaningful market linkages for our community-led enterprises. We are committed to positioning Arunachal Pradesh as one of the most preferred experiential and cultural tourism destinations in the country. Such initiatives strengthen our cultural connect across India and reinforce confidence in our local industries”.
The second day of the festival was graced by several distinguished dignitaries including Shri Neeraj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Smt. Indra Mallo, IAS, Additional Secretary, Smt. Mitali Namchoom, IAS,Director Department of Women and Child Development (Government of NCT of Delhi), Shri Anirudh Saran Singh, IRS, Smt. Seema Jain, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General Strategy & Product Development Division, Smt Maya Lingi, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India., Shri Anupam Yadav, OSD to CM of Arunachal Pradesh, Smt Manna Bengia Sonam, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh and Smt. Adong Moyong, Resident Tourism Officer, Department of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh, among others dignitaries. Their presence underscored the growing national focus on strengthening tourism and cultural promotion of the Northeast region.
The festival served not only as a cultural showcase but also as a strategic tourism outreach initiative, highlighting emerging sectors such as agro-tourism, sustainable farming practices, indigenous food traditions and responsible travel experiences.
Notably, Festival of Arunachal 2026 was the first edition of the event and the first time it was organised in New Delhi, marking a new chapter in the State’s tourism promotion efforts at the national level.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural edition has set the stage for future engagements aimed at strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s presence in key tourism markets across India.
